The valuable and safe supplement of macro- and trace elements to the human diet: Capelin (Mallotus villosus)

Abstract

Capelin (Mallotus villosus) is a marine forage fish rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and potassium. In this study, the distribution of macronutrients, Ca, K, Mg, Na, and P; trace elements, Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, and Zn; and nonessential metals, As, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb in the head, muscle, roe, and viscera of the capelin was studied by applying inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results exhibited that the head was rich in Ca, P, and Zn, the content of elements in muscle and roe was similar, and the content of nonessential metals in viscera was the highest (p < 0.05). The content of each element in capelin was far below the permissible limit as suggested by the international standard in food. The target hazard quotient and the target cancer risk were observed to be negligible. In conclusion, capelin was safe and could be used as an excellent supplement to the human diet. This study intends to provide limited reports on the risk assessment of elements and provides theoretical and data support for the precise dietary risk of capelin.