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Updated: Apr 8, 2026

Determination of Total Lipid and Lipid Classes in Marine Samples
Published on: December 11, 2021
Long-chain omega-3 from low-trophic-level fish provides value to farmed seafood
1The University of Minnesota and Lipid Technologies LLC, Lipid Technologies, LLC PO BOX 216, Austin, MN, 55912.
Abstract:
Low-trophic-level fish are a crucial source of long-chain (LC) omega-3 fatty acids for farmed fish and humans. Many farm-raised fish species have a clear need for these nutrients. Farmed fish deposit the LC omega-3s in their flesh and transfer them up the food chain. However, the content of LC omega-3s in farm-raised seafood continues to decline, while the content of shorter-chain plant-sourced omega-3s, and pro-inflammtory omega-6s continue to increase. This reduces its nutritional worth. The value of low-trophic-level fish is often viewed merely as its price at the dock. Some reports and metrics steer public attention towards the mass balance between quantities of low-trophic-level fish and farmed seafood. However, the the nutritional value of seafood is more important than its mere quantities. The role of low-trophic-level fish in human nutrition, health, and wellbeing is a fundamental component of its economic value to society.
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