Fish for health - improving the nutrient profile of farmed shrimp for the consumer

Abstract

The main goal of the project is to obtain data that will help the Fish for Health Research Nucleus in its main objective, which is to promote and increase the consumption of fish and seafood as a more healthy alternative to red meat, highly processed foods and "fast foods" in the fight against the epidemic of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that include cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, obesity and associated illnesses in the State of São Paulo. More specifically, the project will act on two key points, the first point includes monitoring the variability in the nutrient content and quality of the main marine shrimp consumed in the State (fishing and farmed, and the nutritional composition and quality of the aquaculture feeds used in farms, indicating a clear picture of the potential benefits of consumption for human nutrition and health. The second key point is to carry out experiments focusing on enhancing the nutrient content and potential value for human health of farmed shrimp through dietary fortification with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA and DHA), fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins E), and the reduction of cholesterol levels by the use of phytosterols, as to obtain an even more interesting food in terms of nutrition and health. The data will be important to promote increased awareness and understanding of the benefits of aquatic food for health, and will be disseminated through scientific and sectorial publications, social media, exhibitions and seminars to the general public.