World Aquaculture 2021

May 24 - 27, 2022

Mérida, Mexico

DIATOM Odontella aurita, AN ALTERNATIVE FOOD SUPPLEMENT FOR THE PREVENTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES AND OBESITY IN THE MEXICAN POPULATION.

Bertha O. Arredondo-Vega*, Mónica B. Félix Castro, Regina Elizondo González, Mario Rojas Arzaluz, Alberto Peña Rodríguez, Gracia A. Gómez Anduro, Alfredo de la Peña, Tania Flores, Karla Trejo, Marisol Jaime, Diana Cunningham, Ismael Sánchez.

Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S.C. Av. IPN 195, Colonia Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur. La Paz, Baja California Sur, México. 23096.

*kitty04@cibnor.mx

 



Modern human lifestyle is based on high calorie and excessive red meat   consumption, and limited or no physical activity that put their health at risk. In 2018, 75.2% of the Mexican adult population was either overweight or obese. Between 2000 and 2015, deaths associated to this problem increased: cancer (34.4%), osteoarthritis (39%), cardiovascular diseases (70%) and diabetes mellitus (111.3%). The diatom Odontella aurita, native to Baja California Sur (BCS), identified and curated at the Northwest Biological Research Center (CIBNOR)  Microalgae Collection, is been proposed as a food supplement to help reduce this diseases. O. aurita shows high fucoxanthin and eicosapentaenoic acid content, both of which have demonstrated a synergic effect against metabolic syndrome, hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress and inhibition of cellular cancer lines.  From 2019, the international market for microalgae has grown at a 6% rate with expectations of that trend to continue to 2027. This represents $56.5 billion dollars. CIBNOR has significant experience in the production of consistent quality marine microalgae and the technology transfer process. The biotechnological potential of O. aurita is based on the high quality nutritious compounds that have direct benefit for the human health, resulting in a compelling product for a market in need of sustainable alternatives.  Production is ideal in the climate and geography of Baja California Sur. A strategic alliance through a licensing model for the technology transfer is proposed, where technical assistance is tailored to the needs of the client.