The contents of Mg and Zn in the sea-weed “wakame” were determined and compared at different growth stages, in different parts, for different root cultivation intervals, and in processed foods.
The results obtained were as follows:
1. Mg (2.09-2.60g/100g) and Zn (8.00-10.76mg/100g) contents were independent of growth stage with the exception of Zn (29.00-35.78mg/100g) in the natural young “wakame”.
2. The mineral contents of leaves, stipes, fruiting bodies and rhizoids of “wakame” at different growth stages were determined. The contents of Mg (1.00-2.36g/100g) and Zn (3.93-12.01mg/100g) were richer in leaves and stipes than in fruiting bodies and rhizoids.
3. Densely cultured “wakame” showed higher contents of Zn (6.73mg/100g) than thinly cultured plants (5.99mg/100g), and Mg content was not affected by changes in environmental conditions.
4. The Mg/Ca ratios reached a maximum in the stipe (3.3) and at fruiting bodies (2.9) in the middle stage, and in the base of the stipe of the mature plant (3.5).
5. Contents of the minerals in processed foods were determined. “Suboshi” was rich in Mg (1.07±0.42g/100g), and “Haiboshi” was rich in Zn (10.90±1.20mg/100g). The mineral contents in “Enzo” were small.