Albena Merdzhanova

Nutritional evaluation of aquaculture mussels (M. galloprovincialis) from the Black Sea, Bulgaria

Abstract In recent years black mussels are one of the most commercially important species from the Bulgarian Black Sea. The marine mollusks are valuable healthy food, low in calories and fats and high in proteins. They are a major dietary source of fat soluble pigments - astaxanthin, carotenoids and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). To our knowledge the information about the nutritional quality of mussels from the Bulgarian Black Sea waters, based on chemical composition, fat soluble pigments, cholesterol and PUFA content is very limited. The aim of the present study is to determine and compare protein, lipid, carbohydrate and energy values, fat soluble pigments, cholesterol and fatty acid composition in farmed mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from the Bulgarian northern and southern parts of the Black Sea coast. The mussel samples were analyzed for lipids (Bligh & Dyer method), crude proteins (Kjeldahl method), carbohydrates and moistures according to the AOAC (1990) methods. Fatty acids were analyzed by the GC-MS system. Fat soluble pigments and cholesterol were analyzed simultaneously by the RP-HPLC system. Lipid and protein content were found to be higher in mussels from the northern region. In accordance with the Commission Regulation (EC) No. 116/2010 all analyzed mussel samples can be classified as high in protein and low in fats and carbohydrates. The amount of cholesterol, contained in all mussel populations is significantly low, while the omega-3 (n-3) is significantly higher than the omega-6 PUFA. A portion of 100 g edible tissue provides 0.500 g more of the required amount of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6) n-3 PUFA according to EFSA (2012). It can be concluded that the studied mussel aquaculture in the Black Sea is beneficial food for the human health and it is advisable to be part of a proper or a preventive diet of Bulgarian consumers.

Fat Soluble Vitamins, Cholesterol, and Fatty Acid Composition of Wild and Farmed Black Mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) Consumed in Bulgaria

ABSTRACT The most commercially important mollusk species from the Bulgarian Black Sea is the black mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis). There is limited information about fat soluble vitamins, cholesterol, and fatty acid content of the Bulgarian Black Sea mussel. The aims of the present study are to determine and compare the fat soluble vitamin contents as well as relative daily intake of vitamins, cholesterol, fatty acid content, and lipid quality indices (atherogenic, thrombogenic) in the wild and farmed black mussels. Fat soluble vitamins and cholesterol were analyzed simultaneously using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. The fatty acid composition was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In both mussels, fat soluble vitamins A and E were in high amounts, but they were a better source of vitamin D3. Cholesterol contents were 67.54 ± 0.50 mg/100 g ww (wild) and 49.88 ± 0.30 mg/100 g ww (farmed). The fatty acid distributions of wild and farmed mussels are: saturated > polyunsaturated > monounsaturated fatty acid. The n3/n6 and polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratios were greater than that recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO). A 100-g edible portion of both mussels contained from 0.252 g (wild) to 0.425 g (farmed) of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n-3) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3).

Evaluation of toxic metal levels in edible tissues of three wild captured freshwater fishes

Abstract River ecosystems are vulnerable to heavy metal pollution. Fish samples are considered as one of the most indicative factors, in fresh water systems, for the estimation of trace metals pollution potential since they are the final chain of aquatic web. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the concentration of some toxic elements (As, Hg, Pb, Cd and Ni) in edible part of three wild fresh water fish species (zander (Sander lucioperca), wels catfish (Silurus glanis) and European carp (Cyprinus Carpio)) caught from Bulgarian part of Danube river collected during 2010. The Danube River is the European Unions longest and the continents second longest river that passes through or touches the borders of ten countries. It has a great importance in regard to biodiversity, economics and transportation. The elements (As, Pb, Cd and Ni) were assayed using Perkin Elmer Zeeman 3030 electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer with an HGA-600 atomizer. Determination of Hg was performed using Milestone Direct Mercury Analyzer DMA-80. The results were expressed as μg/g dry weight. The order of heavy metal accumulation in the edible part of zander is As>Hg>Pb> Ni> Cd while the other two fish species show a different metal accumulation Hg > As >Pb> Ni > Cd. In all heavy metals, the accumulation of mercuric and arsenic proportion was significantly high in all three fish types.

Fat soluble vitamins and fatty acid composition of wild Black sea mussel, rapana and shrimp

Abstract Many studies suggest that marine molluscs are one of the most important dietary sources of fat soluble vitamins (E, D3 and A) and essential fatty acids (FA). The most commercially important species from the Bulgarian Black Sea are the Black mussel, rapana and shrimp. There is scarce information in the scientific literature about fat soluble vitamins and FA composition of these Black Sea molluscs. The aims of the present study are to determine and compare fat soluble vitamins content as well as relative daily intake, FA composition and atherogenic index (IA), thrombogenicity index (IT) and flesh-lipid quality index (FLQ) in wild Black Sea mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis), rapana (Rapana venosa) and shrimp (Crangon crangon). Fat soluble vitamins were analysed simultaneously using RP-HPLC system. The FA profile was analysed by GC-MS. All of the analysed samples presented significant amounts of vitamin E, followed by vitamin A and D3. Black Sea molluscs are excellent sources of fat soluble vitamins, especially for vitamin D3 - one survey provides more than 100% of the RDI established in Bulgaria. The FA composition of total lipids showed significant differences and the present study revealed that SFA content was significantly higher than MUFA (p<0.001) and PUFA (p<0.001) (SFA>PUFA>MUFA) in shrimp and mussel whereas rapana showed opposite trends (PUFA>SFA>MUFA). The omega6/omega3 and PUFA/SFA ratios of the analysed species were greater than the FAO/WHO recommendations.

Fatty acid and fat soluble vitamins composition of raw and cooked Black Sea horse mackerel

Abstract The fat soluble vitamins, as well as n3 and n6 fatty acids (FA) are essential compounds of fish lipids and exclusively provided by the diet. Fish is sometimes eaten raw, but it is usually thermal processed before consumption. Temperature processing of fish tissue enhances its taste, inactivates pathogenic microorganisms and increases its shelf life. The fat soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D3 and E) and fatty acids are considered to be susceptible to oxidation during heating (cooking) process. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of steaming (10 min at 90°C) and frying (5 min on the each side with sunflower oil) on fat soluble vitamins and fatty acids composition in Horse mackerel (Trahurus mediterraneus) fish fillets. Vitamins A, D3 and E were analyzed simultaneously using RP-HPLC. The fatty acid composition was analyzed by GC-MS. The amounts of vitamin A (retinol) in cooked fish fillets (for both heat treatments) decreased significantly, compared to their content in the raw samples. In contrast vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) content affects only by steaming, while changes on vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) was observed solely after frying process. The highest content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were observed after steaming, whereas fried samples presented higher values of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) due to significant increase in linoleic acid (C18:2n6). During steaming did not reduce significant n3 and n6 PUFA levels, while frying caused a large reduction of n3 PUFAs. The ratio of n3/n6 was markedly lower in fried samples than in raw and steamed mackerel. In conclusion the Black Sea Horse Mackerel is a good source of vitamin D3, vitamin E and n3 PUFAs. After steaming and frying process there were minimum losses in the contents of cholecalciferol and alpha-tocopherol, while retinol was reduced nearly a half. The process of frying affects most significantly three fatty acids groups, whereas after steaming was observed little influence on fatty acids profile.

Fatty acid composition of Bulgarian Black Sea fish species

Abstract The fatty acid compositions of three Black Sea fish species turbot (Pseta maxima), red mullet (Mullusbarbatus ponticus) and garfish (Belone belone) were investigated. This species are considered as preferred for consumption in Bulgaria. Lipid extraction was done according to the Bligh and Dyer method. The fatty acid composition was determined by GC/MS. The saturated fatty acids amounts were 38.32 % for turbot, 35.44 % red mullet and 42.90% for garfish. Monounsaturated fatty acids were found in lowest level in comparison with other groups for garfish (23.65%) and turbot (24.85%) while for red mullet they have a highest value - 37.56%. Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids as eicosapentaenoic (C 20:5 omega 3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic (C 22:6 omega 3, DHA) acids were found in highest levels in turbot (22.26%) and garfish (21.80%) and in lowest values of red mullet (9.35%). The results showed that the fish examined are good source of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, resulting in a very favourable omega 3 / omega 6 ratios, especially in turbot and garfish

Fatty acids composition of macroalgae from Bulgarian Black Sea coast

Abstract Lipids and fatty acids (FA) composition of three Black Sea macroalgae Cladophora vagabunda,Ceramium rubrum and Cystoseira barbata were studied. Fatty acids composition was analyzed by GC/MS. Total lipids content varied widely among the species and ranged between 0.66 and 0.98 g per 100 g fresh weight. Generally, saturated fatty acids were major components (62-71%), with 16:0 as the most abundant saturate (41- 57%). Total polyunsaturated FAs and monounsaturated FAs ranged from 28% to 38%. The green alga Cladophora vagabunda showed higher C18 PUFAs contents than did C20 PUFAs while for red alga Ceramiumrubrum the trend was opposite. Cystoseira barbata belonging to the group of brown algae showed similar amounts of C18 and C20 PUFAs contents. Cladophora vagabunda was rich in linoleic acid and Ceramiumrubrum in arachidonic acid (AA) while Cystoseira barbata was rich in both linoleic acid and eicosopentaenoic acid. All of the studied species had a nutritionally beneficial n6/n3 ratio (1.24-2.84:1).

Lipid composition of raw and cooked Rapana venosa from the Black Sea

Abstract Rapana venosa is an edible mollusc with nutritional and economic importance. There is limited information about its lipid composition. The aim of the present study is to provide information about lipid composition, fatty acid profiles, fat soluble vitamins and cholesterol content of raw and cooked Rapana venosa. Cooking did not affect the ratio of lipid classes, but fatty acids composition varied significantly. Considerable variations were observed in fatty acid distribution of total lipids and neutral lipids. Fatty acid groups of phospholipids remained unaffected by temperature treatment. The most abundant fatty acids in all lipid classes of raw and cooked specimens were palmitic acid (C16:0) and eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n-3). The sum of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was higher than omega-6 PUFA in all lipid fractions. The results of the present study showed that cooking process affected cholesterol, fat soluble vitamins and carotenoids content differently. Larger variations were observed for vitamin A, β-carotene and astaxanthin and to lesser for vitamin E. Cholesterol and vitamin D3 were also affected by the thermal stress. The present study revealed that Rapana venosa meat could be a good source of high quality nutritional lipids, which are well preserved even after culinary treatment

Comparison of fatty acids, cholesterol, fat soluble vitamins and carotenoids content of skin and edible tissue of farmed African catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1822)

Abstract African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) is new species for the Bulgarian market. It is a valuable source of biologically active components that play an important role in human diet, but there is lack of information for the quality of its dietary lipids. This study focuses on the assessment of skin and edible tissue lipid quality of farmed African catfish based on lipid content and detailed fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins, cholesterol and carotenoids composition. Fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography with mass spectrometer (GC/MS) after lipid extraction. Vitamins A, D3 and E, beta-carotene, astaxanthin and cholesterol were analyzed simultaneously using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet and fluorescence detectors. Lipids, cholesterol, astaxanthin and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were significantly higher in skin, whereas vitamin A and E, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were higher in muscle tissue. Vitamin D3 showed comparable amounts in both tissues. Eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n3) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n3) which are important indicators for fish lipids quality presented significantly high amounts. A portion of 100 g filet without skin contains approximately 600 mg. Results confirmed that African catfish meat - with or without the skin, can be valuable and preferable source of biologically active lipids.

Fish Lipids as a Valuable Source of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Abstract This article presents information about omega-3 (h-3) and omega-6 (n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) contents in a broad range of commercially important fish species available on Bulgarian fish markets. The aim is to raise consumers’ awareness and encourage them to eat fish. Fish species from the Black Sea coast have relatively high proportion of n-3 PUFAs, of which more than 80% is by EPf (eicosapentaenoic acid, C 20:5 n-3) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, C 22:6 n-3). Extensive epidemiological studies show that fish consumption is inversely associated with the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), stroke and the functioning of the brain. About 0.5 g of omega-3 (EPA+DHA) a day or two savings of oily fish a week are required to reduce the risk of death from CVD. PUFAs needs should be satisfied not only with food additives but with fish lipids containing food.