Fatty fish examples
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Examples of Fatty Fish: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to Fatty Fish
Fatty fish are renowned for their high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for human health. These fish are rich in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are beneficial for cardiovascular and neurological health1 3 6.
Mediterranean and Aegean Sea Fatty Fish
Sardine, Anchovy, and Picarel
Sardine (Sardina pilchardus), anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus), and picarel (Spicara smaris) are common Mediterranean fish known for their high fat content and significant seasonal variation in fatty acid composition. Sardines are particularly noted for their high levels of n-3 fatty acids, making them an excellent source of these essential nutrients throughout the year2.
Other Mediterranean Species
A study on 34 marine water fish species from the Mediterranean Sea highlighted the richness of these fish in n-3 PUFAs, especially EPA and DHA. Notable examples include European hake and red scorpion fish, which have high proportions of these beneficial fatty acids6.
Salmonid Fish from Siberia
Arctic Charr and Cisco
In the cold waters of the Gydan Peninsula, Siberia, Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) and Arctic cisco (Coregonus autumnalis) are prominent fatty fish. These species are particularly rich in total and polyunsaturated fatty acids, with Arctic charr showing the highest concentrations. These fish are integral to the diet of indigenous peoples in northwestern Siberia, providing essential nutrients for a healthy diet3.
Brazilian Freshwater Fish
Brycon cephalus and Cichla ocellaris
Among Brazilian freshwater fish, Brycon cephalus and Cichla ocellaris stand out for their high lipid content and superior nutritional quality indices. These species are rich in DHA, making them valuable for human health4.
Pacific Northwest Coastal Fish
Herring and Walleye Pollock
In the Pacific Northwest, herring is categorized as an oily fish with a high proportion of n-3 highly polyunsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs), including EPA and DHA. Walleye pollock, although leaner, also contributes significantly to the dietary intake of these essential fatty acids9.
Conclusion
Fatty fish such as sardine, anchovy, picarel, Arctic charr, Arctic cisco, Brycon cephalus, Cichla ocellaris, herring, and walleye pollock are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These fish provide essential nutrients that are crucial for maintaining cardiovascular and neurological health. Including a variety of these fatty fish in the diet can help ensure an adequate intake of beneficial long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Fatty acid profiles of commercially important fish species from the Mediterranean, Aegean and Black Seas
Fish species from Turkey's Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Seas have high levels of EPA and DHA, increasing their nutritional value and increasing their market value.
Highly CitedSeasonal variation in the fatty acid composition of three Mediterranean fish - sardine (Sardina pilchardus), anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus) and picarel (Spicara smaris)
Sardine, anchovy, and picarel show significant seasonal variations in fatty acid composition, with sardine being the best source of n 3 fatty acids and picarel having the highest oleic acid content.
Highly CitedFatty Acid Content of Four Salmonid Fish Consumed by Indigenous Peoples from the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug (Northwestern Siberia, Russia)
Arctic charr and adult Arctic cisco are the highest sources of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids in the traditional diet of indigenous peoples in northwestern Siberia, Russia.
Rigorous JournalFatty acid profiles of five farmed Brazilian freshwater fish species from different families
Brazilian freshwater fish species Brycon cephalus and Cichla ocellaris have high n-3 PUFA content, particularly DHA, and are considered excellent for human health due to their relevant lipid quality.
Rigorous JournalFatty fish intake and cognitive function: FINS-KIDS, a randomized controlled trial in preschool children
Increased intake of fatty fish compared to meat showed no significant improvement in cognitive function in preschool children, but dietary compliance may have a beneficial effect.
RCTRigorous JournalFat content and fatty acid compositions of 34 marine water fish species from the Mediterranean Sea
Fish species from the Mediterranean Sea are rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid.
Highly CitedAre fish what they eat? A fatty acid's perspective.
Fish fatty acid profiles are generally reflective of their diet, but the degree of distortion varies based on dietary fatty acid type, fish species, and environmental factors.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedChemical compositions and fatty acid profiles of three freshwater fish species
Fish species Cyprinus carpio, Labeo rohita, and Oreochromis mossambicus from the Indus River, Pakistan, have distinct chemical compositions and fatty acid profiles, suggesting potential for healthy human diets.
Highly CitedEvaluating nutritional quality of Pacific fish species from fatty acid signatures.
Pacific fish species have a high proportion of n-3 HUFAs, which contribute to their nutritional quality, while MUFA contents are lower (P P ).
Highly CitedFatty acid profiles and fat contents of commercially important seawater and freshwater fish species of Turkey: A comparative study
Most freshwater fish species in Turkey have similar fatty acid profiles to seawater fish, making them comparable sources of polyunsaturated acids.
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