The nutritional quality of Scenedesmus acutus in a semi-industrial plant in Peru.

The nutritional quality of the flour of the micro-algae Scenedesmus acutus produced in a semi-industrial pilot plant at Sausal, Peru has been tested. The protein content varies between 47.4% and 66.6%. The PER was 2.63 = 0.15 (Casein 3.00 = 0.11), true digestibility 83.4 (Casein 92.4) and BV 60.9 (Casein 73.4). The protein quality did not increase by amino acid supplementation. The 12-week feeding test with micro-algae led to no abnormalities of the weight development, blood parameters, weights of organs and histological datas in the test animals. Further feeding trials and clinical examination on human subjects are recommended before approvement for use in human diet.