Proximate composition and fatty acid profile of three different fresh and dried commercial sea cucumbers from Turkey

Proximate composition and fatty acid (FA) profile of three commercial sea cucumbers; Holothuria tubulosa, Holothuria polii and Holothuria mammata caught from Aegean Sea of Turkey were analysed. The effects of regional variation and drying process on FA composition were also investigated. Moisture, protein, fat and ash contents of the species ranged between 81.24% and 85.24%, 7.88% and 8.82%, 0.09% and 0.18%, and 5.13% and 7.85%, respectively, with a significant changes among species (P < 0.05) with some exceptions. Although FA values varied significantly (P < 0.05) among species and regions, the changes for most FA types representing the same region for different species were not significantly different. Total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were found to be higher than total saturated (SFA) and monosaturated FAs (MUFA) accounting for 53.0–62.12% for ∑PUFA, 13.28–16.41% for ∑MUFA and 13.99–19.21% for ∑SFA. While some individual SFAs and PUFAs decreased after drying process, various individual FAs of MUFA increased in their amounts (P < 0.05). Among PUFAs, the highest mean value of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid for all regions were determined for H. polii as 7.25% and H. tubulosa as 12.37% in fresh samples, respectively. This study represents new information relating to FA contents and drying effect on FA profile for these species.     

海地瓜，黑乳参和乌皱辐肛参营养成分对比

通过对干海参海地瓜,黑乳参和乌皱辐肛参体壁组成,氨基酸组成,脂肪酸组成,多糖组成,矿物质和微量元素组成成分的分析,来比较这三种海参的营养品质。结果显示三种海参都具有共同的特点：高蛋白,低脂肪。鲜味氨基酸（DAA）包括：谷氨酸,天冬氨酸,甘氨酸,苏氨酸和丙氨酸。在这三种海参中鲜味氨基酸是含量最多的氨基酸,在海地瓜,黑乳参和乌皱辐肛参中分别占61.6%、58.1%、59.7%。亮氨酸/精氨酸的比值在这三种海参中都非常低,范围在0.39~0.46。相较于其他两种海参,海地瓜含有较少的饱和脂肪酸（21.4%）和较多的不饱和脂肪酸（67.1%）,其中多不饱和脂肪酸主要为花生四烯酸（C20:4）。这三种海参中Fe（16.3 mg/kg~24.1 mg/kg）和Zn（11.7 mg/kg~19.0 mg/kg）含量较高,As (0.58 mg/kg~0.66 mg/kg) 和Cd（0.49 mg/kg~0.21 mg/kg）的含量相对较低。通过比较分析表明：海地瓜体壁要比黑乳参和乌皱辐肛参具有更高的营养价值。     

10种海参营养成分分析

目的分析子安辐肛参、智利瓜参、黑海参、绿刺参、美国肉参、红刺参、黑北极参、糙刺参、阿拉斯加红参和黄秃参10种海参的营养成分组成。方法分别采用凯氏定氮法、高温灼烧法、亚甲基蓝比色法、氨基酸自动分析及电感耦合等离子体质谱法(inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry,ICP-MS)测定海参中的蛋白、灰分、黏多糖、氨基酸和21种无机元素含量,并分析10种海参的营养价值。结果 10种海参在营养成分上存在一定的差异,其粗蛋白含量范围为73.58~87.20%,灰分含量范围为4.10~8.71%,黏多糖含量范围为7.86~13.15%,总氨基酸含量范围为61.42~75.84%,10种海参必需氨基酸与氨基酸总量的比值(essential amino acid/total amino acid,EAA/TAA)均低于刺参。10种海参均富含人体必需的Fe、Zn、Cu、se等微量元素,而Cd、Pb、As、Cr等有害元素含量均符合GB 2762-2012《食品安全国家标准食品中污染物限量》规定的限量标准;10种海参中21种元素含量差异显著。结论本研究证实10种海参均具有较高的营养价值,从而为进一步开发利用进口海参资源提供参考。     

Seasonal Variation in Proximate Composition and Fatty Acid Profile of Grey Triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) Captured Along the Coast of Portugal

Proximate composition (ash, moisture, total protein, and fat contents) and fatty acid profile of Balistes capriscus (grey triggerfish) were assessed over a 6‐months period (April to September, 2011) in animals captured along the coast of Peniche (Portugal). High protein (18.9% to 21.4%) and low lipid (0.5% to 0.8%) contents were determined. The highest lipid level was found in June‐captured animals. High proportions of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFA) were observed (53.87 ± 2.00%) together with substantial quantities of oleic acid (27.58 ± 1.09%) and palmitic acid (16.52 ± 0.93%). Docosahexaenoic acid accounted for 77% of the total PUFA and was 7 times more abundant than eicosapentaenoic acid, and the n‐3/n‐6 ratio was 7.2. Gender did not influence lipid levels and the fatty acid profile, but seasonal variations were observed for PUFA and monounsaturated fatty acid contents. Overall, the nutritional properties of this underexploited species may be comparable to those of other lean fish species with higher economic value.     

Comparison of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Content in Filets of Anadromous and Landlocked Sockeye Salmon Oncorhynchus Nerka

Abstract: Fatty acid composition and content of 2 forms of sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka from lakes in Kamchatka Peninsula (Russia) were compared. One form of sockeye salmon was anadromous (“marine”), that is, adult fish migrated in ocean to feed and grow and than return in the lake to breed. Fish of another form, kokanee, never migrate in the ocean. Per cent levels of the main indicators of nutritive value, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n‐3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n‐3), were significantly higher in the landlocked O. nerka. However, concentrations of EPA and DHA per wet weight of filets were higher in the marine form, because of the relatively higher content of sum of fatty acids in their muscle tissue. As concluded, fish fed in marine environment had higher contents of long‐chain n‐3 fatty acids per wet weight than fish of the same species, fed in fresh waters. In general, both the anadromous sockeye salmon and the landlocked kokanee salmon can be recommended for human diet as a valuable product concerning contents of EPA and DHA. Practical Application: The long‐chain polyunsaturated acids (PUFA) have been specifically recommended for humans to prevent cardiovascular disease and psychiatric disorders. Fish are known to be the main source of PUFA in human diet. Data on PUFA content in diverse food fish is essential to compare the benefits they offer for consumers’ health. We compared PUFA contents in 2 forms of popular food fish Oncorhynchus nerka, migrating sockeye salmon and landlocked kokanee salmon, and found that both forms are valuable product concerning PUFA content.     

Effects of differences in diet and seasonal changes on the fatty acid composition in fillets from farmed and wild sea bream (Sparus aurata L.) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.)

The effects of dietary fatty acids and seasonal variation on the fatty acid profiles of farmed and wild sea bream (Sparus aurata) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) were determined by analysis of their fillets. Farmed sea bream and sea bass were fed on the same commercial feeds all year. Fatty acid profiles in the fillets reflected the fatty acid profiles of the commercial feeds. The predominant fatty acids in the trial feeds, fillets of farmed and wild sea bream and sea bass were 16:0, 18:1n‐9, 18:2n‐6, 20:5n‐3 and 22:6n‐3. The fatty acid profiles in the fillets of farmed sea bream and sea bass did not differ (P > 0.05) except in the winter season compared with those of their wild counterparts. However, the content of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n‐3), docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n‐3) in the fillets of the farmed and wild sea bass were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the farmed and wild sea bream. The wild sea bream had significantly (P < 0.05) higher total saturated fatty acid and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) levels, and lower total n‐6 and n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels in winter than in the summer and spring seasons. Similarly, in the fillets of wild sea bass, total n‐3 PUFA levels were significantly (P < 0.05) lower, and the MUFA levels were higher in winter than in the other seasons. These results indicate that the farmed fish fillets were good sources of n‐3 PUFA in each of the three seasons. However, wild fish were good sources of n‐3 PUFA in the spring and summer.     

Effect of slaughter season and muscle type on the fatty acid composition, including conjugated linoleic acid isomers, and nutritional value of intramuscular fat in organic beef

BACKGROUND: Consumer awareness regarding the intake of beef of organic origin is strongly associated with the beneficial outcomes to human health, the environment and animal welfare. In this paper the effects of slaughter season and muscle type on the fatty acid composition, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomeric profile, total cholesterol, α‐tocopherol and β‐carotene contents and nutritional quality of intramuscular fat in organic beef (n = 30) are reported for the first time. RESULTS: Organic beef showed a very low total lipid content, with seasonal changes in the levels of some fatty acids, CLA isomers, n‐6/n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio, total cholesterol and β‐carotene. In addition, differences between longissimus lumborum (relatively red) and semitendinosus (relatively white) muscles were found for many fatty acids, specific CLA contents, many CLA isomers and both PUFA/saturated fatty acid (SFA) and n‐6/n‐3 ratios. However, in spite of the seasonal and carcass variations, all organic meats analysed had values of beef similar to pasture‐fed cattle. CONCLUSION: From a nutritional perspective, organic meat from both slaughter seasons seems to have high CLA contents, PUFA/SFA and n‐6/n‐3 indices within the recommended values for the human diet. The data indicate that intramuscular fat in organic meat has a high nutritional value throughout the year. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Fatty acid composition in some selected marine fish species living in Turkish waters

The muscle fatty acid (FA) composition of 12 selected marine fish species living in Turkish waters was determined. FA profiles of muscle were compared in terms of total and individual saturated (SFAs) and unsaturated fatty acids. Total SFA, monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n‐3 PUFA) and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n‐6 PUFA) contents as well as n‐3/n‐6 FA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) ratios differed (P < 0.01) in all fish species. Palmitic acid (16:0) among total SFAs, oleic acid (18:1n‐9) among MUFAs, DHA (22:6n‐3) among n‐3 PUFAs and 18:2n‐6 and 20:4n‐6 among n‐6 PUFAs were the most abundant FAs. The ratio of n‐3/n‐6 PUFA contents, indicating the availability of n‐3 PUFAs that are beneficial for human health, ranged from 2.67 to 12.61. The EPA/DHA ratio was between 0.17 and 0.83 in the marine fish species studied. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Fatty acid profile and proximate composition of Pacific mullet (Mugil so‐iuy) caught in the Black Sea

This study demonstrates proximate composition and fatty acid profile of Pacific mullet caught in Turkey. The highest moisture and protein contents were observed with muscle tissues as 83.74 and 10.52%, while the highest fat and ash contents were attributed to female gonads as 11.80 and 0.94%, respectively, with a significant variation amongst months (P < 0.05). Significant variation (P < 0.05) usually occurred amongst months within the same sex for total saturated fatty acids ( ∑ SFA), monosaturated fatty acids ( ∑ MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids ( ∑ PUFA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in muscle, although overall mean values between sexes were not found significant. Except for EPA, no variation observed for gonads while significant changes occurred (P < 0.05) with liver samples amongst months. Overall total values of ∑ SFA, ∑ MUFA, ∑ PUFA, DHA and EPA in muscle samples were 29.59, 29.26, 18.06 and 4.48%, respectively, while in gonads ranged as 30.26–33.23%, 35.17–37.47%, 11.87–14.88%, 4.38–5.34% and 3.02–5.02%. These FAs were 21.57–33.11%, 32.89–50.96%, 14.78–20.08%, 0.89–9.94% and 5.85–9.54% for liver, respectively. The results of this study showed that muscle and gonads of Pacific mullet were rich in n‐3 PUFA, especially, EPA, DHA, increasing the value of this species for human consumption.     

Portuguese bee pollen: palynological study,nutritional and microbiological evaluation

Bee pollen is one of the richest and purest natural foods, used in the folk medicine, clinical practices, and food and pharmaceutical industries. This work aims to characterise, for the first time in Portugal, the palynological origin, nutritional value and microbiological safety of this beehive product. It identified ten botanical families, and the more frequent were Boraginaceae and Ericaceae. We have evaluated the water content, a_w, pH, reducing sugars, ash, carbohydrate, proteins, lipids, fatty acids and energy. The microorganisms studied were the aerobic mesophiles, moulds and yeasts, faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella and sulphite‐reducing clostridia. The studied pollens are nutritionally well balanced, and contain high levels of moisture, proteins, fat, energy, ash, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, essential n‐3 fatty acids and good ratios of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)/saturated fatty acids. In fact, the PUFA represent 66% of the total fatty acids. The samples had good microbiological quality, as none of the samples had toxigenic species.     

Growth,carcass traits,chemical composition and fatty acid profile in beef from Charolais and Simmental bulls fed different types of dietary lipids

BACKGROUND: The effect of breed and whole sunflower seed on performance, carcass traits and the composition of meat was evaluated in Charolais (CH) and Simmental (SI) bulls. Samples of musculus longissimus lumborum (MLL) and musculus infraspinatus (MIS) were analysed. RESULTS: The CH bulls had a lower feed intake per kg of gain, a higher killing‐out percentage and produced more valuable carcasses. The muscles from SI bulls contained more monounsaturated fatty acids (FA) and less saturated FA (in g kg^?1 FA) than the muscles from CH bulls. The sunflower seed supplement increased the proportions of linoleic acid and c9t11 conjugated linoleic acid and the ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) to saturated FA and decreased the index of atherogenicity of FA in meat lipids. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrated the superiority of the CH over the SI breed in a number of economically important traits. The breed effect on the nutritional quality of meat was ambiguous. Meat lipids of the SI bulls contained more unsaturated FA but also more PUFA n‐6 and a higher PUFA n‐6/PUFA n‐3 ratio. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Characterization of liver oils from three species of sharks collected in Tunisian coasts: In vitro digestibility by pancreatic lipase

The increase in world fish lipid request has made necessary the search for new fish species rich in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) that could be used as raw material for oil production. In this study, liver oils from the deep‐sea sharks Mustelus mustelus, Squalus acanthias, and Rhinobatos cemiculus were extracted and analyzed to describe their lipids characteristics. Lipid contents of shark livers ranged from 64.245 to 69.57%. Among minerals, potassium and sodium were the most abundant while unsaturated fatty acids (FAs) were dominant exceeding 55% of the total FAs. Omega‐3 PUFA (ω‐3 PUFA) profiles exhibited a dominance of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. This study suggests that shark livers, actually considered as waste, may be an attractive source of ω‐3 PUFAs and a good source of carotenoids and phenolic compounds.

Practical applications

The production of EPA and DHA concentrates from residual sources of marine oils has unexplored potential of use in food industry and oil‐based nutraceutical production for obtaining health benefits can be achieved. The economic activities of fish residues can reduce inappropriate excessive fishing, reducing imports of fish oils while contributing to the ecosystem balance.     

Fatty acids distribution in different tissues of wild and reared Seriola dumerili

In this study, we compared the lipid and fatty acids content, between cultured and wild Seriola dumerili, in different edible portions. Results showed that cultured fish contained a higher level of lipids than wild fish. The fatty acids profiles revealed that, among all the split‐fish side, palmitic (C16:0) and oleic (C18:1n‐9) acid were the principal saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, in cultured and wild S. dumerili. On the other hand, wild S. dumerili contained a higher level of saturated (38.12 ± 0.54% vs. 33.66 ± 0.15% in cultured fish), monounsaturated (33.13 ± 1.07% vs. 26.49 ± 0.17%), n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (23.90 ± 1.02% vs. 19.77 ± 0.51%) particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (18.83 ± 0.48% vs. 11.77 ± 0.42%). However, the cultured fish showed a higher level of n‐6 PUFA due principally to the higher value of linoleic acid (C18:2n‐6). In fact, changes in fatty acids content between anatomical areas marked differences in the muscle quality of wild and cultured S. dumerili. According to this study, both groups of wild and farmed S. dumerili have nutritional benefits for human health. Cultured fish were characterised by higher hypocholesterolaemic and hypercholesterolaemic fatty acids ratio for all samples studied and a lower n‐3/n‐6 ratio due to the abundance of n‐3 PUFA particularly DHA in wild fish.     

Comparison on proximate composition and nutritional profile of red and black sea cucumbers (Apostichopus japonicus) from Ulleungdo(Island) and Dokdo(Island), Korea

The proximate composition, fatty acid, and amino acid profile of the body wall and viscera of each red and black sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) from Ulleungdo(Island) and Dokdo(Island) in Korea were compared. Moisture, ash, crude protein, and crude lipid contents ranged between 80.26–91.49, 2.57–6.85, 1.13–3.99, and 0.14–2.12%, respectively. The fatty acid values varied depending on the species and the regions of collection. The anteiso C17:0, C16:1Δ⁹, C17:1Δ⁷, C18:1Δ¹¹, and C16:2Δ⁷ were only observed in the body wall. Among the tested fatty acids, the C18:1Δ¹¹ was specific in red sea cucumber, and C20:4Δ⁶ (17.7%) and C20:5Δ³ (17.6%) were the predominant polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in all samples. The contents of the C18:0 dimethyl acetal (C18:0 DMA), C16:1Δ⁷, C16:1Δ⁵, and C18:1Δ⁵ were compared in details. Total amino acids (TAA) of body wall were 1.3–1.9 times higher than those of viscera. Glutamic acid and aspartic acid constituted the major TAA of sea cucumbers. The ratio of essential amino acids (EAA): nonessential amino acids (NEAA) on TAA ranged from 1.15 to 0.67 of sea cucumbers. Viscera of red sea cucumber from Dokdo(Island) were rich in free amino acids (FAA) and showed a high content in leucine.     

Effects of cooking and reheating methods on the fatty acid profile of sea bream treated with rosemary extract

BACKGROUND: The effects of rosemary extract on the fatty acid profile of sea bream fillets cooked by different methods (oven baking, grilling and pan frying) as well as the effects of different reheating methods (microwave and conventional oven) on the fatty acid composition of fish after frozen storage for 4 months were investigated. RESULTS: The proportion of saturated fatty acids increased only slightly in fried samples but significantly in oven‐baked and grilled samples, while the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) increased significantly in fried samples but only slightly in oven‐baked and grilled samples. The proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids remained relatively constant after cooking. Of the fatty acids analysed, the most significant increases (P < 0.05) were observed in C18:1n‐9 and C18:2n‐6 and the most significant decreases (P < 0.05) in C14:0, C16:1, C20:5n‐3 and C22:6n‐3. Although sea bream fillets fried in sunflower oil showed an increase in PUFAs, the lowest eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid contents were found in fried samples. CONCLUSION: Sea bream fillets treated with rosemary extract showed slower oxidation than untreated fish. Neither conventional nor microwave reheating after frozen storage for 4 months had a detrimental effect on the fatty acid profile and its stability. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Lipid quality and filleting yield of reared meagre (Argyrosomus regius)

Reared meagre (Argyrosomus regius) of average weight 1278 g was evaluated for its filleting yield and fillet lipid quality. Filleting yield averaged 42.2%, while very low levels of muscle fat deposits were measured (1.06%). Analysis of lipid classes revealed a high proportion of polar lipids (48.3–59.1%) and low levels of neutral fatty acids (40.9–51.7%) when compared to corresponding values of other farmed fish species. Phosphatidyl‐choline (PC) was the dominant polar lipid (2.92 mg g^?1 muscle), while cholesterol the most abundant neutral lipid (1.68 mg g^?1 muscle). The fatty acid composition of meagre fillet generally reflects the dietary fatty acids. Among n‐3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic (4.58%) and docohexaenoic (15.0%) were measured to be the most abundant ones, and 18:2n‐6 (11.9%) was the most common n‐6 fatty acid. The fatty acid profiles of polar and neutral fractions differ, with monounsaturated fatty acids being predominant in the neutral and n‐3 polyunsaturates in the polar lipids. The high polar lipid contents and n‐3 fatty acids and the low atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes indicate a high quality of this species’ lipids.     

Amino acids,fatty acids and sterols profile of some marine organisms from Portuguese waters

Marine organisms have been increasingly regarded as good sources of new drugs for human therapeutics and also as nutrients for human diet. The amino acids, fatty acids and sterols profiles of the widely consumed echinoderms Paracentrotus lividus Lamarck (sea urchin), Holothuria forskali Chiaje (sea cucumber), the gastropod molluscs Aplysia fasciata Poiret and Aplysia punctata Cuvier (sea hares), from Portuguese waters, were established by GC–MS analysis. Overall, 10 amino acids, 14 fatty acids and 4 sterols were determined. In general, all species presented the 10 amino acids identified, with the exceptions of H. forskali, in which no glycine, proline, trans-4-hydroxy-proline or phenylalanine were found, and of A. fasciata which did not contain proline. Unsaturated fatty acids were predominant compounds, with those from the ω-6 series, being in higher amounts than their ω-3 homologues, and cholesterol being the main sterol. The amino acids, fatty acids and sterols qualitative and quantitative composition of A. fasciata, A. punctata and H. forskali is reported here for the first time.     

Effects of season on proximate and fatty acid compositions of two mediterranean fish – the round herring (Etrumeus teres) and tub gurnard (Chelidonichthys lucernus)

The aim of this work was to study the seasonal variation of the proximate and fatty acid compositions in the round herring (Etrumeus teres) and tub gurnard (Chelidonichthys lucernus) caught from the North‐Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Proximate compositions and fatty acid contents of both fish species showed statistically significant seasonal variations (P < 0.05). While the protein contents were at its highest in winter, the lipid contents were at its highest in autumn. The main fatty acids were C16:0 (palmitic acid), C18:0 (stearic acid), C16:1 n‐7 (palmiteoleic acid), 18:1 n‐9c (oleic acid), C20:5 n‐3 (eicosapentaenoic acid) and C22:6 n‐3 (docosahexaenoic acid). The total polyunsaturated fatty acid in round herring was highest in winter, whereas that in tub gurnard was highest in spring.     

Effects of vitamin E and fish oil inclusion in broiler diets on meat fatty acid composition and on the flavour of a composite sample of breast meat

BACKGROUND: Enriching poultry meat with long‐chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n‐3 PUFA) can increase low population intakes of LC n‐3 PUFA, but fishy taints can spoil reheated meat. This experiment determined the effect of different amounts of LC n‐3 PUFA and vitamin E in the broiler diet on the fatty acid composition and sensory characteristics of the breast meat. Ross 308 broilers (120) were randomly allocated to one of five treatments from 21 to 42 days of age. Diets contained (g kg^?1) 0, 9 or 18 LC n‐3 PUFA (0LC, 9LC, 18LC), and 100, 150 or 200 mg LD ‐α‐tocopherol acetate kg^?1 (E). The five diets were 0LC100E, 9LC100E, 18LC100E, 18LC150E, 18LC200E, with four pens per diet, except 18LC100E (eight pens). Breast meat was analysed for fatty acids (uncooked) and sensory analysis by R‐index (reheated). RESULTS: LC n‐3 PUFA content (mg kg^?1 meat) was 514 (0LC100E) and 2236 (9LC and 18LC). Compared with 0LC100E, meat from 18LC100E and 18LC150E tasted significantly different, while 23% of panellists detected fishy taints in 9LC100E and 18LC200E. CONCLUSION: Chicken meat can be enriched with nutritionally meaningful amounts of LC n‐3 PUFA, but > 100 mg dl‐α‐tocopherol acetate kg^?1 broiler diet is needed to protect reheated meat from oxidative deterioration. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Proximate composition and nutritional profile of by‐products from green urchin and Atlantic sea cucumber processing plants

Proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid profiles, and mineral and vitamin contents of by‐products from Atlantic sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa) and green urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) processing plants were investigated. Results showed that sea cucumber viscera, urchin digestive tract (UDT) and non‐commercial grade gonads contained 4.5–14.4% total proteins and 1.9–4.6% lipids (wet weight basis). They were rich in essential amino acids with values of about 36% of total amino acids. Samples were also rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (44% of total fatty acids) and showed high content in EPA (～17% of total fatty acids), but low DHA level (0.2%) was observed. In terms of vitamins content, UDT showed highest retinol and alpha‐tocopherol contents when compared to other marine samples. Results showed that by‐products from echinoderm processing plants contain various nutritious components with levels generally comparable even better than their edible counterparts, and efforts should be invested to valorise these biological wastes in a world context of rarefaction of nutritional marine resources.