The lipid content and fatty acids profile of different tissues of Holothuria tubulosa and H. polii were analyzed to assess the suitability of the central Mediterranean species as a potential marine resource for fatty acids, in particular omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs). Simultaneously, their important indices for human health were evaluated. Gonad and respiratory tree had the highest lipid content, while the body had the lowest values. The results showed significant differences between species and among the different portions analyzed. Internal tunic and longitudinal muscle of H. tubulosa exhibited the highest PUFA proportion (55.3 and 46.4%, respectively). Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n-3) and arachidonic acid (ARA, C20:4n-6) were the most abundant PUFAs in both species, with a favorable n-3/n-6 ratio in all tissues. The atherogenic and thrombogenicity indices and hypocholesterolaemic/hypercholesterolaemic fatty acid ratio suggested the high-quality of this food, similar to the nutritional values of most popular fish.
Can Different Body Tissues of Two Sea Cucumbers Supply a Fair Amount of Omega 3 for Health Benefit?
Biandolino F;Parlapiano I;Denti G;Fanelli G;Prato E
2019
Abstract
The lipid content and fatty acids profile of different tissues of Holothuria tubulosa and H. polii were analyzed to assess the suitability of the central Mediterranean species as a potential marine resource for fatty acids, in particular omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs). Simultaneously, their important indices for human health were evaluated. Gonad and respiratory tree had the highest lipid content, while the body had the lowest values. The results showed significant differences between species and among the different portions analyzed. Internal tunic and longitudinal muscle of H. tubulosa exhibited the highest PUFA proportion (55.3 and 46.4%, respectively). Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n-3) and arachidonic acid (ARA, C20:4n-6) were the most abundant PUFAs in both species, with a favorable n-3/n-6 ratio in all tissues. The atherogenic and thrombogenicity indices and hypocholesterolaemic/hypercholesterolaemic fatty acid ratio suggested the high-quality of this food, similar to the nutritional values of most popular fish.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.