Nutritional and Biochemical Evaluation of Wild Marine Fishes Lates calcarifer and Alepes djedaba from Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajfst.v4i2.6031Keywords:
Biochemical Profile, Coastal People, Fatty Acids, Marine Fish, Nutrition SupplementsAbstract
Marine fish are crucial for human nutrition, as they include high-quality protein, necessary amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and accessible minerals. This study examined the nutritional and biochemical content of two economically important wild marine fish species, Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) and shrimp scad (Alepes djedaba), obtained from artisanal landings in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, during the 2025 monsoon. Analyses were carried out using standard protocols and advanced instrumentation. L. calcarifer had somewhat less protein (21.1 ± 0.6%) and more lipid (2.5 ± 0.3%) than A. djedaba (22.0 ± 0.7% protein, 1.5 ± 0.2% lipid). The fatty acid profile revealed that L. calcarifer was high in polyunsaturated (53.0%) and monounsaturated (44.4%) fatty acids but low in saturated fatty acids (2.6%), resulting in minor index of atherogenicity (IA: 0.01) and index of thrombogenicity (IT: 0.01). In contrast, A. djedaba contained more saturated fatty acids (69.0%), as well as alpha-linolenic acid (4.2%) and eicosapentaenoic acid (4.6%), resulting in higher IA (2.03) and IT (1.01). Amino acid analysis revealed greater essential amino acids in L. calcarifer (~220 mg/g protein) than in A. djedaba (~135 mg/g protein). In contrast, mineral profiling showed A. djedaba contained high phosphorus (21,000 mg/100 g) and potassium (12,000 mg/100 g), and L. calcarifer had higher microminerals. Principal Component Analysis identified amino acids and minerals as the primary differentiating factors. Overall, L. calcarifer delivers superior amino acids and cardioprotective fatty acids, whereas A. djedaba provides rich macrominerals, implying that including a variety of marine fish species in diets can improve nutrition and food security.
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