What Are the Commercial Uses for Brown Algae?

Brown algae are a group of seaweeds that grow in shallow, rocky areas along the shoreline. They are most commonly harvested in New Zealand, where the Maori have used them as medicine and food for centuries. Scientists have identified 1,800 species of brown algae, 30 of which are used commercially. Commercial gatherers of brown algae sell them to a variety of manufacturers, who extract alginic acids to use in a number of products.

Food Additives

Alginic acid is a product of brown algae that has almost no tasteless. It has a gelatinous texture, which makes it useful as a thickener in many foods. Manufacturers add alginic acid to a number of foods, such as puddings, ice cream, and commercially prepared milkshakes and drinks. Many sausage casings, soups, and sauces, such as mayonnaise, contain alginic acids. California is one of the major producers of alginic acids in the U.S.

Medicine

Brown algae have a variety of medical uses. Physicians and homeopaths use medicines containing brown algae for medicines to treat such physical ailments as fibromyalgia, heart disease, high cholesterol, acid reflux disease and cancer. Physicians also use medicines containing brown algae for conditions related to anxiety, such as insomnia and post-traumatic stress syndrome. Brown algae have no known side effects.

Manufacturing of Rubber, Tires and Textiles

During World War II, U.S. manufacturers began producing alginic acid to use in the rubber, tire and textile industries. Alginic acid is often used to stabilize rubber, paint and coatings in industry. The textile industry also uses alginic acid in waterproofing treatments and to finish fabrics and to make them non-irritating. Printing companies use ink made with alginic acid to reduce the viscosity of the ink, which produces crisper printing.

Additive to Fish Food

Alginic acid dissolves slowly in water, which makes it useful for binding together food pellets. As a result, feed manufacturers use alginic acid in fish and prawn food pellets. Pellets with alginic acid reduce food consumption among these animals up to 40 percent, which makes them economical for fish farmers. Because feeds containing alginic acid dissolve more slowly, they are not as polluting as fish foods that do not contain them.