From fish chemical characterisation to the benefit-risk assessment--part A

Proximate composition, fatty acid profile, cholesterol, α-tocoferol content and essential (K, Na, Cl, S, Mg, Ca, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Se) and contaminant element (Hg/MeHg, Cd, Pb, and As) levels in silver scabbardfish (Lepidopus caudatus), hake (Merluccius merluccius), and ray (Raja spp.) were investigated. Results showed that these species contain high protein, low cholesterol and energy levels, being its consumption recommended. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were the dominant group of the fatty acids, being 80% of the n-3 family. Attending to the dietary reference intakes (DRIs), these fish species are a good source of Se and the other minerals can give a relevant contribution to the DRIs in a balanced diet. More than one weekly meal of silver scabbardfish has to be avoided due to the organic mercury concentration. More accurate dietary recommendations require a probabilistic assessment, which will be the focus of this study's Part B.