Fatty Acid Profile Analyses of Three Freshwater Fish Species from Igboho Reservoir, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the fatty acid profile of three freshwater fish species from igboho reservoir Oyo state Nigeria. This is as a result of a great degree of interest on fatty acids on human health. The fishes used in this study are snakehead (Parachanna obscura, Gunther 1844), African mud fish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell, 1822) and African pike (Hepsetus odoe, Blotch, 1794). The fatty acid profile analysis showed the existence of Saturated (SFA), Monosaturated (MUFA) and Polysaturated (MUFA) fatty acids. Results obtained showed a wide range of Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (30.24-33.37%), Saturated fatty acids (SFA) (38.51-53.98%) and Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (13.28-24.30%). Palmitic and Stearic acids were the major fatty acids in saturated fatty acid group, Oleic and Palmitoleic acids were the predominant fatty acids in Monosaturated fatty acid group while Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Linoleic acid were the major Polyunsaturated fatty acids. The n-3/n-6 ratio values of the three fish species is below 1.0 which fall within the proposed dietary intake standard (0.25-1.0) and a good indication that the three fish species can supply the required essential acid needed by Man. Moreover, the PUFA/SFA coefficient ratio of P. obscura exceeded the minimum value by HMSO which represents an advantageous impart when consumed by Man.