Proximate composition and agar content of selected red seaweeds in Initao, Misamis Oriental, Mindanao, Philippines

The present study reveals proximate composition and agar content of four commonly occurring seaweeds along the coast of Iligan Bay. Seaweeds such as Gracilaria arcuata, Gracilaria coronopifolia, Laurencia papillosa and Laurencia thuyoides were analyzed for carbohydrate, crude protein, total fat, ash, moisture and agar content. L. papillosa ranked highest in carbohydrate among other species analyzed. L. thuyoides and G. coronopifolia were both ranked highest in crude protein. Total fat was highest in G. coronopifolia and G. arcuata ranked first in ash and agar content. Based from the result, it can be seen that there is a potential for the four red seaweed species to be used as raw material or ingredients to improve nutritive value and functional properties in human diet and animal feed.