Comparison of Fatty Acid Profile and Lipid Quality Indices of Local Brackish Water Fish, and Imported Marine Fish Consumed in Benin

Martinien Hospice Mahussi ASSOGBA; Assouan Gabriel  Bonou; Chakirath Folakè Arikè  Salifou; Mahamadou  Dahouda; Antoine Chikou; Souaïbou  Farougou; Caroline Douny; Marie-Louise  Scippo; Issaka  Youssao Abdou Karim

doi:10.70851/jfines.2025.2(2).60.69

Authors

Martinien Hospice Mahussi Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Meat Technology, Department of Animal Production and Health, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP: 2009, Cotonou, Republic of Benin Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9912-4913
Assouan Gabriel Bonou North-East Agricultural Research Center, National Institute of Agricultural Research of Benin, 01 BP 884, Cotonou, Republic of Benin. Author
Chakirath Folakè Arikè Salifou Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Meat Technology, Department of Animal Production and Health, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi Author
Mahamadou Dahouda Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin Author
Antoine Chikou Laboratory of Hydrobiology and Aquaculture, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey–Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin. Author
Souaïbou Farougou Research Unit in Biotechnology of Animal Production and Health, Department of Animal Production and Health, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin. Author
Caroline Douny Department of Food Sciences, Laboratory of Foods Analysis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, FARAH-Veterinary Public Health, University of Liège, bât. B43bis, 10 Avenue de Cureghem, SartTilman, B-4000 Liège, Belgium Author
Marie-Louise Scippo Department of Food Sciences, Laboratory of Foods Analysis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, FARAH-Veterinary Public Health, University of Liège, bât. B43bis, 10 Avenue de Cureghem, SartTilman, B-4000 Liège, Belgium Author
Issaka Youssao Abdou Karim Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Meat Technology, Department of Animal Production and Health, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP: 2009, Cotonou, Republic of Benin. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70851/jfines.2025.2(2).60.69

Keywords:

Food security, fisheries, Fat quality , Horse mackerel , Atlantic mackerel

Abstract

In Benin, there is limited data on the nutritional composition of commonly consumed fish, particularly their fatty acid profiles. This study aimed to compare the fatty acid composition and nutritional lipid indices of brackish water fish (Coptodon guineensis and Sarotherodon melanotheron) harvested from acadjas with those of imported, frozen seawater fish (Scomber scombrus and Trachurus trachurus) consumed in Benin. Fatty acids were extracted from fish flesh (n=20) and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Palmitic and oleic acids were the most abundant saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), respectively. Marine fish contained significantly higher levels of oleic acid (p<0.05), while brackish fish had higher levels of arachidonic and linoleic acids (n-6 PUFA). Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) was only detectable in brackish fish, whereas marine fish had significantly higher eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and similar docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels. The atherogenic index (AI) was highest in S. scombrus (p<0.05), suggesting possible cardiovascular risks with frequent consumption. These findings underscore the nutritional distinctions between locally sourced and imported fish and provide insight for dietary planning and food policy in Benin.

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