Addressing information gaps in wild-caught foods in the US: Brook trout nutritional analysis for inclusion into the USDA national nutrient database for standard reference

Abstract

Motivations for seeking local food include eating foods for quality, nutritional value, ethics and environmental concerns. Wild foods, such as wild game and fish, are increasingly included as a local food source, yet many legally procured species of wild game and fish lack knownnutrition information in the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (SR). Among those species that lack nutrition information are brook trout. The research team worked with the Nutrient Data Laboratory (NDL) within USDA to develop a collection protocol for brook trout. Using legal angling techniques, samples were collected in the Adirondack region of New York State during the months of May and June 2012 by members of the research team. The trout were processed according to USDA determined dissection protocols to attain edible meat portions. Nutrient analysis was conducted on raw brook trout meat samples at USDA appointed commercial laboratories for proximates, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, individual fatty acids, and cholesterol. Analytical data was sent to NDL at USDA, where it was reviewed, compiled and published in SR. Nutrient values were determined by validated laboratories using quality assurance procedures. Full nutrient profiles were made available in SR.