Carbohydrate of the Brown Seaweed, Saccharina latissima: a review

Saccharina latissima is one of the potential seaweed sources because of its high carbohydrate content. The interest of farming of macroalgae has increased in European countries. Abundant research results have provided data for the biochemical composition of S. latissima. This paper collects and summarizes data on the carbohydrate content of S. latissima from scientific articles published all around the world. The content of polysaccharides in S. latissima range from 30 to 50% dw. These polysaccharides include alginate, fucoidan, laminarin, and mannitol. Information of the carbohydrate content of S. latissima will be needed for further developments, such as use in biofuel, food or health industries. It may also increase the interest of cultivation of S. latissima. As a result, S. latissima may become an important commodity in aquaculture.