Salmon still pass the acid test
As reported previously by FishfarmingXpert, the Norwegian firm Nofima - one of the largest institutes for applied research within the fields of fisheries, aquaculture and food in Europe - has been commissioned by the Norwegian Seafood Research Fund to conduct a study aimed at documenting the status of utilization of the raw materials used in feed for Norwegian aquaculture. With the increasing use of non-marine ingredients, there have been concerns raised that the flesh of farmed fish may contain fewer health-promoting omega-3 fatty acids.
Many studies have shown that farmed Atlantic salmon contain more of the unsaturated, long-chained omega-3 fatty acids EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) than most other fish species. Most findings list only cod liver, mackerel and herring as containing more omega-3 fatty acids than farmed Atlantic salmon, and all species of salmon - wild or farmed- contain high levels of these beneficial compounds.
The recommended daily intake to maintain good health, as defined by US and European health authorities, is 250 mg (a quarter of a gram)/day of the so-called long chain omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. Most European Food Safety Authorities’ recommend eating fish at least twice a week, one of these two times being oily fish. A recent study performed at the Centre for controlled dietary intervention studies at the Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences, in cooperation with NIFES (National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research) and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health also documents that even the consumption of lean fish species can significantly increase the level of omega-3 DHA levels fairly rapidly.
Marine Harvest - the world’s largest salmon farming company - recently reported that its farmed Atlantic salmon contains between 1,000 and 2,000 mg (1-2 grams) of omega-3 fatty acids per 100 grams. Thus, the company states, 1-2 portions a week will cover the entire recommended weekly intake of marine omega-3 (one larger portion or two smaller ones). “Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of nutrients essential to maintain human health. It can benefit people with circulatory problems, reduces risk of coronary heart disease and may have a positive effect on some forms of cancer. Research also suggests positive effects on depression and anxiety, immune function and infant brain development. Salmon is rich in the long chain omega-3s, EPA and DHA, and an excellent way of increasing omega-3 in the human diet,” says a Marine Harvest fact sheet.
More about omega-3 fatty acids and salmon feed ingredients is set to feature in the next issue of FishfarmingXpert magazine.
