Abstract
Algae used in OTC preparations and as functional food are available in the form of finished formulations: powders – lyophilisates, tablets, pills, capsules, and are widely used in cosmetics. In these formulations most commonly used species of algae is cyanobacteria: Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina platensis) and Arthrospira maxima (Spirulina maxima), species of red algae – red algae of the genus Porphyra: Porphyra yezoensis and Porphyra tenera and brown algae – Fucus vesiculosus and green algae for example: Chlorella vulgaris.
They are used in cosmetology, pharmacy, food industry, agriculture and environmental protection. Hence, getting to know the current state of the market and knowledge of the preparations containing algae and the promotion of knowledge about their effectiveness is expedient to influence effectively on the prevention of civilization diseases. Conducting a survey on knowledge of the preparations of algae, efficiency and preventive properties may allow to know the current state of knowledge in Poland, about the development of effective promotion in order to use of them. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and the possibility of using supplements and food additives containing algae and assessment of the effectiveness of activities in the first reinforcement and anti-aging preparations containing algae in the studied groups of people.
Algae due to the fact that are a source of many substances such as amino acids, proteins, minerals, vitamins, polysaccharides, lipids, and polyamides, which are necessary for the proper functioning of the human body, have been used in various industries.