Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in liver and muscle tissues of Okinawan long-spine porcupinefish (Diodon holocanthus Linnaeus 1758)

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to analyze the lipid content and fatty acid composition in the liver and muscle of a porcupinefish species inhabiting waters around the Ryukyu Islands to investigate their potential as a source of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs).

Design/methodology/approach

Porcupinefish were collected along the Okinawa Island coast. The composition of fatty acids and cholesterol in both liver and muscle were analyzed using a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer.

Findings

The liver of Okinawan long-spine porcupinefish was rich in lipids whose content correlated to the proportion of liver/body weight. Fatty acid compositions in their liver and muscles were similar to each other. LC-PUFAs occupied 44% of total fatty acids, with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) being the dominant (42%), whereas eicosapentaenoic acid occupied 2.4%. The liver contained 1,690 mg of cholesterol and 14.8 g of DHA per 100 g, whose proportion decreased in summer compared to other seasons (p = 0.036).

Originality/value

The liver of Okinawan long-spine porcupinefish, which has not yet been commercially used although its non-toxicity is claimed, can be an excellent source of LC-PUFAs, especially DHA, accentuating its potential in food supplements’ production.

Citation

Tashiro, Y. (2022), "Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in liver and muscle tissues of Okinawan long-spine porcupinefish (Diodon holocanthus Linnaeus 1758)", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 52 No. 1, pp. 163-170. https://doi.org/10.1108/NFS-03-2021-0089