As a principal source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (3FAs), which provide vital health benefits, fish consumption also comes with the additional benefit of being rich in diverse nutrients (e.g., vitamins and selenium, high in proteins and low in saturated fats, etc.). The consumption of fish and other seafood products has been significantly promoted universally, given that fish is an important part of a healthy diet. However, many documents indicate that fish may also be a potential source of exposure to chemical pollutants, especially mercury (Hg) (one of the top ten chemicals or groups of chemicals of concern worldwide), and this is a grave concern for many consumers, especially pregnant women, as this could affect their fetuses. In this review, the definition of Hg and its forms and mode of entrance into fish are introduced in detail and, moreover, the bio-accumulation of Hg in fish and its toxicity and action mechanisms on fish and humans, especially considering the health of pregnant women and their fetuses after the daily intake of fish, are also reviewed. Finally, some feasible and constructive suggestions and guidelines are recommended for the specific group of pregnant women for the consumption of balanced and appropriate fish diets in a rational manner.
The larvae of Clanis bilineata tsingtauica, a special species of Chinese edible insect, are of great nutritional, medicinal and economic value to humans. This study aimed to clarify the effect of different soybean varieties (Guandou-3 (G3), Ruidou-1 (R1), September cold (SC)) on the nutritional quality and feeding selection behavior of C. bilineata tsingtauica larvae. The results showed that soybean isoleucine (Ile) and phenylalanine (Phe) were positively correlated with larval host selection (HS) and protein content. The order of soybean plants selected by C. bilineata tsingtauica larvae was R1 > SC > G3, and they selected R1 significantly higher than SC and G3 by 50.55% and 109.01%, respectively. The protein content of the larvae fed on R1 was also the highest among the three cultivars. In addition, a total of 17 volatiles belonging to 5 classes were detected from soybeans: aldehydes, esters, alcohols, ketones, and heterocyclic compounds. Pearson’s analysis showed that soybean methyl salicylate was positively correlated with larval HS and their protein content, and soybean 3-octenol was negatively correlated with larval HS and their palmitic acid content. In conclusion, C. bilineata tsingtauica larvae are more adapted to R1 than to the other two soybean species. This study provides a theoretical basis for the production of more protein-rich C. bilineata tsingtauica in the food industry.
2 November 2022 in International Journal of Food Science and Technology