title: A new HPLC method for the detection of iodine applied to natural samples of edible seaweeds and commercial seaweed food products.
abstract: Rich in micronutrients and considered to contain high iodine levels, seaweeds have multiple applications as food/supplements and nutraceuticals with potential health implications. Here, we describe the development and validation of a new analytical method to quantify iodine as iodide (I(-)) using an isocratic HPLC system with UV detection; algal iodine was converted to I(-) via dry alkaline incineration. The method was successfully applied to 19 macroalgal species from three taxonomic groups and five commercially available seaweed food products. Fesh kelps contained highest levels, reaching >1.0% per dry weight (DW), but concentrations differed amongst thallus parts. In addition to kelps, other brown (Fucales: ∼ 0.05% DW) and some red species (∼ 0.05% DW) can also serve as a rich source of iodine; lowest iodine concentrations were detected in green macroalgae (∼ 0.005% DW), implying that quantities recommended for seaweed consumption may require species-specific re-evaluation to reach adequate daily intake levels.
authors.affiliation: Botany and Plant Science, School of Natural Sciences, and Ryan Institute for Environmental, Marine and Energy Research, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland. Electronic address: udo.nitschke@nuigalway.ie.
authors.forename: Udo
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Nitschke
authors.affiliation: Botany and Plant Science, School of Natural Sciences, and Ryan Institute for Environmental, Marine and Energy Research, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland. Electronic address: dagmar.stengel@nuigalway.ie.
authors.forename: Dagmar B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Stengel
mesh_terms: D002138:Calibration; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / Q000379:methods*; D005504:Food Analysis; D007455:Iodine / Q000032:analysis*; D012624:Seaweed / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D007455:Iodine
keywords: HPLC; Iodide; Iodine; Iodine concentration; Iodine determination; Macroalgae; Seaweed; Seaweed product; UV detection