Background:
Fishes are good sources of the fatty acids such as ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated
fatty acids, and fat-soluble vitamins for human consumption which play vital roles for various
biological processes in the body and help in the proper growth and prevention of diseases.
Objective:
The objective of the present study was to determine the fatty acid composition, cholesterols,
triglyceride and vitamin contents of some selected fishes from Hel river, Assam, India.
Methods:
Fatty acid composition of fish species was examined using gas chromatography-mass
spectrometry, lipid components were determined following the reported methods and vitamins A and
D contents were investigated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.
Results:
Fatty acid compositions varied from 51.20-89.47% of saturated fatty acids, 0.27-19.68% of
monounsaturated fatty acids and 1.75-30.76% of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Eicosapentaenoic acid
and docosahexaenoic acid ranged from 0.54-22.30% and 1.26-18.85%, respectively. The fish species
showed varying amounts of lipid components. The vitamins A and D were found in the range of
15.85-1287.0 μg/100 g and 45.0-677.24 μg/100 g, respectively.
Conclusion:
The fish species of this study are found rich in ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids such as
eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid along with noticeable amounts of vitamins A and D.
Hence, these fish species have the potentials to serve as the natural dietary supplements for ω-3 fatty
acids and other nutrients.
Margarines Fortified with α-Linolenic Acid, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, or Docosahexaenoic Acid Alter the Fatty Acid Composition of Erythrocytes but Do Not Affect the Antioxidant Status of Healthy Adults
