Microalgae: An alternative natural source of bioavailable omega-3 DHA for promotion of mental health in East Africa

dc.creatorCharles, Christina
dc.creatorMsagati, Titus
dc.creatorSwai, Hulda
dc.creatorChacha, Musa
dc.date2020-12-15T10:30:49Z
dc.date2020-12-15T10:30:49Z
dc.date2019-10-11
dc.date.accessioned2022-10-25T09:20:47Z
dc.date.available2022-10-25T09:20:47Z
dc.descriptionThis research article published by Elsevier, 2019
dc.descriptionMental health illness associated with poor nutrition is a serious public concern worldwide. The most at risk individuals are children and adolescents in the developing world. Deficiencies in omega-3 DHA fatty acids have long been recognized as a major contributing factor for mental health illnesses. Provision of products rich in omega-3 DHA could address this problem. But most commonly used products do not have preformed omega-3 DHA, making them less suitable for prevention of mental illnesses in resource-poor countries. The objective of this study was to provide a narration of the best alternative source of bioavailable omega-3 DHA for promotion of mental health in developing countries. This study identified microalgae as the best natural source of preformed omega-3 DHA over fish oil which has been reported to contain heavy metals, antibiotics and other contaminants that may pose a serious safety concerns to consumers. The study has further narrated future opportunities around microalgae in East Africa. One of the opportunities is development of a business model that could accelerate sustainable production and utilization of microalgae for improved nutrition and health in Eastern Africa.
dc.formatapplication/pdf
dc.identifierhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2019.e00187
dc.identifierhttps://dspace.nm-aist.ac.tz/handle/20.500.12479/1052
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/123456789/95237
dc.languageen
dc.publisherElsevier
dc.subjectMicroalgae
dc.subjectMental health
dc.subjectBioavailable omega-3 DHA
dc.subjectNutrition
dc.titleMicroalgae: An alternative natural source of bioavailable omega-3 DHA for promotion of mental health in East Africa
dc.typeArticle

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