Importance of deep sea squid Mastigoteuthis flammea in healthcare as a rich source of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids

Abstract

Though globally squid is considered as a delicious seafood item, the biochemical composition of deep sea squid species especially Mastigoteuthis flammea available in Arabian Sea is scanty. In the present study, we have investigated the proximate composition, amino acid composition and fatty acid profiling of M. flammea caught from Arabian Sea. The moisture, crude protein, crude lipid and ash contents of the squid were 60.20 g/100g, 23.13g/100 g, 17.05g/100 g, and 1.61g/100 g respectively. The squid species was found to contain the essential and non-essential amino acids in a balanced proportion, which is an essential criterion for attenuating protein deficiency related malnutrition disorders. Interestingly, its body oil was found to comprised of healthcare important n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in considerable quantities. The results of the present study suggest that the deep sea squid M. flammea can be considered as a potential resource of nutrients required for the normal maintenance of human health.