Comparative analysis of nutritional and mineral compositions of Farfantepenaeus notialis and Macrobrachium vollenhovenii for dietary planning and food industry applications

Abstract

This study compares the nutritional composition of two commercially important crustaceans, Farfantepenaeus notialis and Macrobrachium vollenhovenii, to assess their dietary suitability. Proximate and mineral analyses were performed on dried samples of each species, evaluating fat, protein, ash, moisture, and mineral concentrations. Results reveal significant differences. F. notialis showed higher fat (1.79% ± 0.001%) and protein (6.69% ± 0.2%) compared to M.vollenhovenii (fat: 1.54% ± 0.001%; protein: 5.34% ± 0.4%), making it a more energy-dense protein source. Conversely, M. vollenhovenii had higher ash (5.38% ± 0.002%) and moisture (22.12% ± 0.004%), with higher calcium (256.24 mg/g ± 0.74) and potassium (71.02 mg/g ± 0.76) content, key for bone health and cardiovascular function. F. notialis was richer in iron (5.18 mg/g ± 0.03), useful for preventing iron deficiency. Both species had substantial zinc levels (~ 0.8 mg/g), essential for immune health. T-tests confirmed significant differences in nutritional parameters and minerals. The findings highlight the benefits of including both species in diets for improved nutritional diversity, especially in regions with limited food options. Graphical Abstract