Microalgal proteins for feed, food and health

Population growth combined with rapid economic development in parts of the world has led to a need for an increase in food production. It has been shown that when the economy improves, food consumption in the population not only increases but also moves gradually from vegetable origin to animal origin and increased protein consumption. The aim of this chapter's review is to discuss the use of proteins from microalgae for both food and feed use in human and animal nutrition as well as the application of protein-derived peptides from microalgae as functional food and cosmeceutical ingredients. Methods for production of protein from microalgae are discussed along with existing uses of proteins and peptides of algal origin. Bioactivities associated with proteins from microalgae and their hydrolysates including heart-health beneficial attributes and potential antioxidant and anticancer activities are reviewed. In addition, legislation concerning the use of algal proteins as novel food and feed is reviewed.