An Update on the Content of Fatty Acids, Dioxins, PCBs and Heavy Metals in Farmed, Escaped and Wild Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.) in Norway

Recent developments, challenges, and prospects of dietary omega-3 PUFA-fortified foods: Focusing on their effects on cardiovascular diseases

Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Dω-3 PUFAs) have been extensively studied and have been proven to offer notable benefits for heart health. Scientific meta-analysis strongly endorses them as potent bioactive agents capable of preventing and managing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Fortification of foods with Dω-3 PUFAs is a potential strategy for enhancing Dω-3 PUFA intake in an effort to continue strengthening public health outcomes. This review analyzed recent trends in the fortification of foods with Dω-3 PUFAs in relation to technological developments, challenges linked to the method, and future scope. Additionally, recent clinical trials and research on the effect of Dω-3 PUFA-fortified food consumption on cardiovascular health are reviewed. Technological trends in fortification methods, namely microencapsulation- and nanoencapsulation, have made considerable progress to date, along with excellent stability in both processing and storage conditions and favorable bioaccessibility and sensory attributes of fortified foods. There is a tremendous deal of promise for cardiovascular health based on recent clinical trial findings that fortifying food with Dω-3 PUFAs decreased the incidence of heart disease, blood pressure, and lipid profiles. In summary, substantial progress has been made in addressing the challenges of Dω-3 PUFA fortification. However, further multidisciplinary research is needed to inculcate effectiveness toward achieving the maximum possible Dω-3 PUFAs to protect against the harmful effects of CVDs and continue global health progress.

Nannochloropsis Lipids and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Potential Applications and Strain Improvement

The genus Nannochloropsis comprises a group of oleaginous microalgae that accumulate polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These molecules are essential for the correct development and health of humans and animals. Thanks to their attractive lipid profile, Nannochloropsis is mainly marketed as a feed ingredient in aquaculture. In microalgae of this genus, contents and cellular location of PUFAs are affected by the growth conditions and gene expression. Strain improvement through non-recombinant approaches can generate more productive strains and efficient bioprocesses for PUFA production. Nevertheless, the lack of specific markers, detection methods, and selective pressure for isolating such mutants remains a bottleneck in classical mutagenesis approaches or lipid quality assessment during cultivation. This review encompasses the importance of PUFAs and lipid classes from Nannochloropsis species and their potential applications. Additionally, a revision of the different ways to increase PUFA content in Nannochloropsis sp. by using classical mutagenesis and adaptive laboratory evolution is also presented, as well as various methods to label and quantify lipids and PUFAs from Nannochloropsis microalgae.

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Human Health: A Key to Modern Nutritional Balance in Association with Polyphenolic Compounds from Food Sources

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are vital dietary elements that play a significant role in human nutrition. They are highly regarded for their positive contributions to overall health and well-being. Beyond the fact that they provide a substantial supply of energy to the body (a role that saturated fats can also perform), these unsaturated fatty acids and, especially, the essential ones are involved in cell membrane structure, blood pressure regulation, and coagulation; participate in the proper functioning of the immune system and assimilation of fat-soluble vitamins; influence the synthesis of pro- and anti-inflammatory substances; and protect the cardiovascular system. Modern diets like the Western diet and the American diet are rich in saturated fats found especially in fast food products, sweets, and processed foods, a fact that has led to an increase in the prevalence of metabolic diseases worldwide (obesity, type II diabetes, gout, cardiovascular disease). Nutritionists have drawn attention to the moderate consumption of saturated fats and the need to increase the intake of unsaturated fats to the detriment of saturated ones. This paper examines the biochemical roles of polyunsaturated fats, particularly essential fatty acids, and contrasts their benefits with the detrimental effects of saturated fat overconsumption. Furthermore, it highlights the necessity for dietary shifts towards increased PUFA intake to mitigate the global burden of diet-related health issues. The co-occurrence of PUFAs and polyphenols in plant-based foods highlights the sophistication of nature's design. These bioactive compounds are not randomly distributed but are present in foods humans have consumed together historically. From traditional diets like the Mediterranean, which pairs olive oil (PUFAs and polyphenols) with vegetables and legumes, to Asian cuisines combining sesame seeds with turmeric, cultural practices have long harnessed this natural synergy.

Effects of Increasing Farmed Salmon Intake to the Recommended Fish-Intake Amounts on Lipid Profile in Young Women: An 8-Week Intervention Study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Habitual dietary changes that could help reduce the potential consequences of excessive body mass, such as hyperlipidemia and increased cardiovascular disease risk, are needed. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of a farmed-salmon-based dietary intervention on lipid profile parameters in young women with excessive body mass.

METHODS

The 8-week intervention involved 38 pair-matched women aged 18-30 years with excessive body weight defined as BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention (200 g of smoked salmon weekly) or the control group. Lipid profile parameters (total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TAG)), as well as atherogenic indices (Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), Atherogenic Coefficient (AC), Cholesterol Index (Cholindex), Castelli Risk Index 1 (CRI-1), Castelli Risk Index 2 (CRI-2) and the TAG/HDL ratio) were assessed before, during, and after the intervention.

RESULTS

At baseline, 47% of participants had at least one of the lipid profile parameters outside the recommended range. No statistically significant differences were observed in the TC, HDL, non-HDL, LDL, or TAG concentrations or in the various atherogenic indices between the intervention and the control group after the 8-week-long intervention. However, differences in the change of the LDL concentration were noted, with a decrease of 8.2 ± 20.7 mg/dL in the intervention group compared to an increase of 9.5 ± 20.0 mg/dL in the control group (p = 0.011), as well as in the change of the Cholindex for which a median decrease of 4.4 mg/dL was noted in the intervention group, while a median increase of 0.8 mg/dL in the control group was observed (p = 0.040). Additionally, across participants with a waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) greater than 0.5, an increase of 50.0 ± 68.3 mg/dL in the intervention group and a decrease of 8.6 ± 56.6 mg/dL in the control group was noted for the TAG concentration change (p = 0.040).

CONCLUSIONS

Concerning the observed beneficial influence of increasing farmed salmon intake to the recommended fish-intake amounts on decreasing LDL and Cholindex in young women with excessive body weight after 8 weeks, it seems that such a diet alteration might be recommended for this group to decrease their risk of cardiovascular disease in the future. Nonetheless, regarding the diverse influence on TAG, further studies are needed to assess the influence of increasing the intake of fatty fish available on the market at present on human health.

Farmed blue mussels (Mytilus edulis)-a nutrient-dense resource retaining nutritional value through processing

This study investigated how farmed blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) can optimize human nutrient intake. A particular focus was on assessing nutrient preservation during steaming and freeze-drying, processes that could deplete nutrients. The study compared the content of essential amino acids and fatty acids in steamed and freeze-dried blue mussels to the nutritional needs of humans and farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Additionally, it assessed the ethyl acetate method versus the traditional, more toxic Folch method for lipid extraction from blue mussels. Both steaming and freeze-drying effectively preserved essential amino acids and fatty acids in blue mussels. A 100 g serving of steamed blue mussels contributes from 26.8 ± 0.78% (Phe) to 54.9 ± 1.66% (Thr) of the daily recommended intake of essential amino acids (EAA). For steamed freeze-dried blue mussels, over 100% of the recommended intake is met for all EAA and as much as 243% for threonine. The 100 g serving will also provide 271 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and 220 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3), thus covering the required intake of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids for adults as well as the recommended intake for pregnant and lactating women. Mussels are non-fed filter feeders that generally provide these nutrients with significantly lower environmental footprints, measured as global warming, eutrophication, and acidification, compared to farmed Atlantic salmon. Blue mussels can also be a valuable feed ingredient for farmed Atlantic salmon. Finally, it was demonstrated that the ethyl acetate method is not suited for lipid extraction from blue mussels, as the lipid yield was only half compared to the lipid yield using the Folch method.

Effect of Consuming Salmon Products on Vitamin D Status of Young Caucasian Women in Autumn-A Randomized 8-Week Dietary VISA 2 (Vitamin D in Salmon Part 2) Intervention Study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Young women are often at risk of vitamin D deficiency, while fatty fish can provide significant amounts of it, which is especially important when no vitamin D skin synthesis is possible due to limited sunshine exposure. This study aimed to analyze the impact of increasing the intake of salmon in various forms (smoked salmon, salmon sausages) on vitamin D status of young women in autumn.

METHODS

The 8-week intervention involved 120 non-obese women, aged 20-25 years. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: smoked salmon (25 g/day), salmon sausage (100 g/day), or a control group. Both intervention products provided approximately 5 µg of vitamin D daily. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D as well as vitamin D intakes were assessed pre-, mid-, and post-intervention.

RESULTS

The median vitamin D intake at baseline was 2.7-3.4 µg/day and did not differ between the groups (p > 0.05), while during the intervention, it was highest in the smoked salmon group (p < 0.001) and amounted to 7.3 µg/day. While all groups experienced a decrease in 25(OH)D serum concentrations, the decrease was significantly smaller in the salmon sausage group compared to the control group (-4.3 vs. -15.0 nmol/L, p < 0.05), and no significant difference was observed between the smoked salmon and control group after 8 weeks (p > 0.05). Moreover, in the salmon sausage group, the intervention was more effective among participants with an inadequate vitamin D status at baseline (25(OH)D change after the intervention: -3.0 vs. -5.4 nmol/L, p < 0.05; inadequate vs. adequate baseline vitamin D status).

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing the intake of salmon, and hence of vitamin D, was not enough to maintain the vitamin D status of young women in autumn. It seems that other, not-yet-fully-understood factors, may influence vitamin D absorption and/or metabolism, thereby affecting the outcomes of such interventions indicating that further research is needed. Nevertheless, it may be concluded that increasing salmon sausage intake might aid slow down the natural decline of 25(OH)D in young women in autumn.

Comparative Nutritional and Histological Analysis of Malabar Red Snapper (Lutjanus malabaricus) and Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer)

This study offers a comprehensive morpho-histological analysis of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of the Malabar red snapper. A comparison of its GIT morphology with that of the Asian seabass reveals similarities and differences between the two species. Additionally, the moisture content, crude protein, and ash in the fillets of Malabar red snapper and Asian seabass were slightly different, with Malabar red snapper exhibiting higher levels of essential fatty acids. Furthermore, higher levels of the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)/saturated fatty acid (SFA) ratio and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ratio, and a lower omega-6/omega-3 ratio, were observed in Malabar red snapper compared to Asian seabass. The Malabar red snapper's esophagus featured protective mechanisms such as simple columnar epithelial cells, mucous-secreting glands, and goblet cells that were predominantly stained for acid and neutral mucosubstances. Furthermore, its stomach, with mucus cells that were weakly stained for acid mucosubstances, exhibited distinct regions with varying glandular densities, with the pyloric region featuring few glands. The pyloric caeca of the fish were composed of five finger-like structures and few goblet cells. Several goblet cells gradually increased from the anterior to the posterior region of the intestine. These findings provide useful insights for the aquaculture sector, focusing on Malabar red snapper.

Biocompatibility of intraperitoneally implanted TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofiber hydrogels for antigen delivery in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) vaccines

Disease outbreaks are a major impediment to aquaculture production, and vaccines are integral for disease management. Vaccines can be expensive, vary in effectiveness, and come with adjuvant-induced adverse effects, causing fish welfare issues and negative economic impacts. Three-dimensional biopolymer hydrogels are an appealing new technology for vaccine delivery in aquaculture, with the potential for controlled release of multiple immunomodulators and antigens simultaneously, action as local depots, and tunable surface properties. This research examined the intraperitoneal implantation of a cross-linked TEMPO cellulose nanofiber (TOCNF) hydrogel formulated with a Vibrio anguillarum bacterin in Atlantic salmon with macroscopic and microscopic monitoring to 600-degree days post-implantation. Results demonstrated a modified passive integrated transponder tagging (PITT) device allowed for implantation of the hydrogel. However, the Atlantic salmon implanted with TOCNF hydrogels exhibited a significant foreign body response (FBR) compared to sham-injected negative controls. The FBR was characterized by gross and microscopic external and visceral proliferative lesions, granulomas, adhesions, and fibrosis surrounding the hydrogel using Speilberg scoring of the peritoneum and histopathology of the body wall and coelom. Acutely, gross monitoring displayed rapid coagulation of blood in response to the implantation wound with development of fibrinous adhesions surrounding the hydrogel by 72 h post-implantation consistent with early stage FBR. While these results were undesirable for aquaculture vaccines, this work informs on the innate immune response to an implanted biopolymer hydrogel in Atlantic salmon and directs future research using cellulose nanomaterial formulations in Atlantic salmon for a new generation of aquaculture vaccine technology.

Toxicity of persistent organic pollutants: a theoretical study

CONTEXT

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are two families of persistent organic pollutants that are dangerous as they remain in the atmosphere for long periods and are toxic for humans and animals. They are found all over the world, including the penguins of Antarctica. One of the mechanisms that explains the toxicity of these compounds is related to oxidative stress. The main idea of this theoretical research is to use conceptual density functional theory as a theory of chemical reactivity to analyze the oxidative stress that PCBs and PBDEs can produce. The electron transfer properties as well as the interaction with DNA nitrogenous bases of nine PCBs and ten PBDEs found in Antarctic penguins are investigated. From this study, it can be concluded that compounds with more chlorine or bromine atoms are more oxidizing and produce more oxidative stress. These molecules also interact directly with the nitrogenous bases of DNA, forming hydrogen bonds, and this may be an explanation for the toxicity. Since quinone-type metabolites of PCBs and PBDEs can cause neurotoxicity, examples of quinones are also investigated. Condensed Fukui functions are included to analyze local reactivity. These results are important as the reactivity of these compounds helps to explain the toxicity of PCBs and PBDEs.

METHODS

All DFT computations were performed using Gaussian16 at M06-2x/6-311 + g(2d,p) level of theory without symmetry constraints. Electro-donating (ω-) and electro-accepting (ω +) powers were used as global response functions and condensed Fukui functions as local parameters of reactivity.

Mathematical optimisation of extruded mixed plant protein-based meat analogues based on amino acid compositions

Developing meat analogues of superior amino acid (AA) profiles in the food industry is a challenge as plant proteins contain less of some essential AA than animal proteins. Mathematical optimisation models such as linear/non-linear programming models were used to overcome this challenge and create high-moisture meat analogues (HMMA) with AA profiles as close as possible to chicken breast meat. The effect on the physiochemical properties and specific mechanical energy (SME) of the HMMA was investigated. The AA content of HMMA was generally lower than chicken. Strong intermolecular bonds present in the globulin fraction could hinder protein acid hydrolysis of HMMA. Plant proteins also affect the HMMA colour as certain AA forms Maillard reaction products with higher browning intensity. Lastly, different characteristics of plant proteins resulted in different SME values under the same extrusion conditions. While mathematical programming can optimise plant protein combinations, fortification is required to match the AA profile of HMMA to an animal source.

Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids: Metabolism and health implications

Recently, omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFAs) have gained substantial interest due to their specific structure and biological functions. Humans cannot naturally produce these fatty acids (FAs), making it crucial to obtain them from our diet. This comprehensive review details n-3 LC-PUFAs and their role in promoting and maintaining optimal health. The article thoroughly analyses several sources of n-3 LC-PUFAs and their respective bioavailability, covering marine, microbial and plant-based sources. Furthermore, we provide an in-depth analysis of the biological impacts of n-3 LC-PUFAs on health conditions, with particular emphasis on cardiovascular disease (CVD), gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, diabetes, depression, arthritis, and cognition. In addition, we highlight the significance of fortification and supplementation of n-3 LC-PUFAs in both functional foods and dietary supplements. Additionally, we conducted a detailed analysis of the several kinds of n-3 LC-PUFAs supplements currently available in the market, including an assessment of their recommended intake, safety, and effectiveness. The dietary guidelines associated with n-3 LC-PUFAs are also highlighted, focusing on the significance of maintaining a well-balanced intake of n-3 PUFAs to enhance health benefits. Lastly, we highlight future directions for further research in this area and their potential implications for public health.

Effects of Agricultural Intensification on Mediterranean Diets: A Narrative Review

INTRODUCTION

Mediterranean diets (MedDiets) are linked to substantial health benefits. However, there is also growing evidence that the intensification of food production over the last 60 years has resulted in nutritionally relevant changes in the composition of foods that may augment the health benefits of MedDiets.

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize, summarize, and critically evaluate the currently available evidence for changes in food composition resulting from agricultural intensification practices and their potential impact on the health benefits of MedDiets.

METHODS

We summarized/synthesized information from (i) systematic literature reviews/meta-analyses and more recently published articles on composition differences between conventional and organic foods, (ii) desk studies which compared food composition data from before and after agricultural intensification, (iii) recent retail and farm surveys and/or factorial field experiments that identified specific agronomic practices responsible for nutritionally relevant changes in food composition, and (iv) a recent systematic literature review and a small number of subsequently published observational and dietary intervention studies that investigated the potential health impacts of changes in food composition resulting from agricultural intensification.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

There has been growing evidence that the intensification of food production has resulted in (i) lower concentrations of nutritionally desirable compounds (e.g., phenolics, certain vitamins, mineral micronutrients including Se, Zn, and omega-3 fatty acids, α-tocopherol) and/or (ii) higher concentrations of nutritionally undesirable or toxic compounds (pesticide residues, cadmium, omega-6 fatty acids) in many of the foods (including wholegrain cereals, fruit and vegetables, olive oil, dairy products and meat from small ruminants, and fish) that are thought to contribute to the health benefits associated with MedDiets. The evidence for negative health impacts of consuming foods from intensified conventional production systems has also increased but is still limited and based primarily on evidence from observational studies. Limitations and gaps in the current evidence base are discussed. Conclusions: There is now substantial evidence that the intensification of agricultural food production has resulted in a decline in the nutritional quality of many of the foods that are recognized to contribute to the positive health impacts associated with adhering to traditional MedDiets. Further research is needed to quantify to what extent this decline augments the positive health impacts of adhering to a traditional MedDiet.

Mercury and amino acid content relations in northern pike (Esox lucius) in subarctic lakes along a climate-productivity gradient

Mercury is a highly toxic element for consumers, but its relation to amino acids and physiology of wild fish is not well known. The main aim of this study was to evaluate how total mercury content (THg) of northern pike (Esox lucius) is related to amino acids and potentially important environmental and biological factors along a climate-productivity gradient of ten subarctic lakes. Linear regression between THg and sixteen amino acids content [nmol mg-1 dry weight] from white dorsal muscle of pike from these lakes were tested. Lastly, a general linear model (GLM) for age-corrected THg was used to test which factors are significantly related to mercury content of pike. There was a positive relationship between THg and proline. Seven out of sixteen analysed amino acids (histidine, threonine, arginine, serine, glutamic acid, glycine, and aspartic acid) were significantly negatively related to warmer and more productive lakes, while THg showed a positive relationship. GLM model indicated higher THg was found in higher trophic level pike with lower cysteine content and inhabiting warmer and more productive lakes with larger catchment containing substantial proportion of peatland area. In general, THg was not only related to the biological and environmental variables but also to amino acid content.

Levels, time trends, and distribution of dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls in fishes from the Baltic Sea

Fish absorb dioxins from the environment through water and contact with sediments but the main source is food. These contaminants also enter the human body with food, including through the consumption of fish. This study presents the dioxin and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in 145 samples of four fish species (herring, sprat, sea trout, salmon) caught in the southern Baltic Sea. The study results permit assessing whether the efforts made in recent years to reduce dioxin and PCB emissions into the environment have translated into decreases in concentrations of these pollutants in Baltic Sea fishes and whether these raw fish materials meet food law requirements. The safest fish species with regard to dioxins were designated, as were those of which consumption should be limited. The influence of fish age (length) and weight on dioxin and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl (dl-PCB) concentrations was investigated. The correlation between fat content and dioxin concentration was determined. The Baltic Sea region and fishing ports from which the least contaminated fish come were also determined. The studies indicated that dioxin and PCB concentrationsin fishes from Polish fishing areas are currently lower than they were twenty years ago.

Perspective: Darwinian Applications to Nutrition-The Value of Evolutionary Insights to Teachers and Students

Evolutionary biology informs us that the living world is a product of evolution, guided by the Darwinian mechanism of natural selection. This recognition has been fruitfully employed in a number of issues in health and nutrition sciences; however, it has not been incorporated into education. Nutrition and dietetics students generally learn very little or nothing on the subject of evolution, despite the fact that evolution is the process by which our genetically determined physiological traits and needs were shaped. In the present Perspective article, 3 examples of topics (inflammatory diseases, nutrition transition, and food intolerance) that can benefit from evolutionary information and reasoning are given, with relevant lines of research and inquiry provided throughout. It is argued that the application of evolutionary science to these and other areas of nutrition education can facilitate a deeper and more coherent teaching and learning experience. By recognizing and reframing nutrition as an aspect and discipline of biology, grounded in the fundamental principle of adaptation, revelatory light is shed on physiological states and responses, contentious and unresolved issues, genomic, epigenomic, and microbiomic features, and optimal nutrient status and intakes.

Nutritional Quality and Assessment of Contaminants in Farmed Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.) of Different Origins

Atlantic salmon represents an important source of valuable proteins and lipids rich in n-3 fatty acids and micronutrients. However, there are reports that these marine fish still contain contaminants at levels that raise health concerns. Although the Stockholm Convention already bans some compounds, they can still be detected because of their persistence. The present study reports nutritional parameters and the occurrence of persistent and bioaccumulative chemicals in the tissues of fifty-five salmon from several major farming areas. The protein content of all samples was almost identical, averaging to 19.2% w/w, while lipids averaged 14.9% w/w. Fish from Chilean farms contained 6.0% less fat and a lower level of vitamin E than from other sources, that is, 2.2 mg per 100 g (w/w). Fish from Scottish farms contained higher levels of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid. Halogenated contaminants from polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorinated pesticides, brominated flame retardants, and perfluoroalkylated and polyfluoroalkylated substances were measured, and generally, they were found to be at very low concentrations that did not exceed the legislation limits applicable in the European Union. These results showed that the compositional differences between Atlantic salmon from several important farming areas were only minor, but some significant differences were demonstrated in total fat content and fatty acid profiles.

Perceptions and Liking Distortion from Information about the Nutritional Upgrades in Biofortified Seafood Products

(1) Background: As biofortified fish meat is becoming increasingly available, the use of supplements within fish feed may impact consumers’ perceptions and their willingness to pay (WTP) for the product. This study focused on evaluating the sensory liking of, and WTP for, fish produced with fortified feed while understanding the role played by the acquired information on fish fortification. (2) Methods: Hedonic ratings and WTP were measured in an experimental bid. The participants (n = 91) were asked to rate pleasantness and WTP during two different rounds: (i) appearance–information–tasting and (ii) appearance–tasting–information. A total of three fish species (carp, seabream, and trout) were presented to the consumers as being either fortified (with iodine, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids) or conventional products. (3) Results: For pleasantness, no significant differences were found between the fortified and conventional fish. In contrast, substantial differences emerged when information regarding the products was provided. Providing the relevant information before tasting affected how much the consumers liked the conventional fish, resulting in a preference for it over the fortified fish. Additionally, consumers are willing to pay more for fortified fish, especially when information with respect to fortification is available. Nevertheless, when information about fortification was provided before tasting, the consumer’s expectations were not fulfilled. (4) Conclusions: The outcomes of this study clearly indicate that the presence of relevant information impacts how much people like fortified versus conventional fish, as well as their WTP.

Discrimination of Atlantic salmon origins using untargeted chemical fingerprinting

Mislabelling the geographic origin of same-species aquaculture products is difficult to identify. This study applied untargeted small-molecule fingerprinting to discriminating between Atlantic salmon originating from Chile and Norway. The acquired liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry data from Chilean (n = 32) and Norwegian (n = 29) salmon were chemometrically processed. The partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) models successfully discriminated between Chilean and Norwegian salmon at both positive and negative ionisation modes (R² > 0.96, Q² > 0.81). Univariate analyses facilitated the selection of approximately 100 candidate markers with high statistical confidence (> 95%). Of these, 37 confirmed markers of Chilean and Norwegian salmon were primarily associated with feed formulations, including lipid derivatives and feed additives. None of the markers were residues or contaminants of potential food safety concern.

Nutritional and Sensory Properties of Protein Hydrolysates Based on Salmon (Salmo salar), Mackerel (Scomber scombrus), and Herring (Clupea harengus) Heads and Backbones

Protein hydrolysates based on salmon, mackerel, and herring heads and backbones were produced, and the sensory properties of the hydrolysates were evaluated by a highly trained sensory panel. The nutritional content of the products was evaluated, and the hydrolysates contained all the amino acids inherent to the raw material, including considerable levels of connective tissue amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. Hydrolysates based on herring were the most flavor intense, whereas hydrolysates based on salmon were deemed more palatable. In this work, choice of fraction (heads vs. backbones) and enzyme had minor effects on sensory and nutritional properties, indicating that choice of raw material species was the major factor for flavor development in the produced protein hydrolysates. There were large variations in protein content and amino acid composition in the raw material fractions, but as expected, only minor variations were found in the final products.

Nutritional Quality of the European Spiny Lobster Palinurus elephas (J.C. Fabricius, 1787) (Achelata, Palinuridae) and the Non-Indigenous Northern Brown Shrimp Penaeus aztecus Ives, 1891 (Dendrobranchiata, Penaeidae)

The European spiny lobster is a species of great commercial value, yet a limited scientific knowledge exists on its biology, ecology, and physiology, especially for the stocks from east Mediterranean waters. The northern brown shrimp, a non-indigenous established species, is commercially exploited in regions of the Mediterranean Sea. Both species’ proximate composition and fatty acid profile were assessed for the first time in the Mediterranean region, exhibiting an overall significant statistical difference. Protein, fat, and energy contents were significantly higher in the northern brown shrimp, whereas moisture and ash contents were significantly higher in the European spiny lobster. The proximate composition for both species was well within the reported range for other lobster and prawn species in the Mediterranean Sea.

Fish Oil Supplements for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: The Jury Is Still Out: CON: Fish Oil is Useful to Prevent or Treat Cardiovascular Disease

Consumption of oily fish high in omega-3 fatty acids (n-3FAs) is strongly associated with reduced risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the n-3FAs in fish oil believed to confer its beneficial effects. Over the past two decades, multiple clinical trials have been conducted to test the hypothesis that encapsulated EPA and DHA supplements improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with established cardiovascular disease or at risk of developing it. Over the same time period, over-the-counter fish oil supplements have become a multi-billion-dollar industry. In this article, we briefly review available clinical trial data involving EPA and DHA supplementation. Based on currently available information, we conclude that combination capsules containing EPA and DHA should not be used to reduce cardiovascular risk. Some studies suggest that EPA as stand-alone therapy decreases cardiovascular risk. Nevertheless, we advocate a restrictive approach to using EPA to improve cardiovascular outcomes.