Consumption Of Freshwater Fish Research Articles

Hair Mercury Levels in Pregnant Women: Fish Consumption as a Determinant of Exposure

The consumption of fish in food may contain mercury, a harmful element and dangerous chemical detrimental to human health. The purpose of this study was to determine the mercury level in the hair of pregnant women with different fish intakes in their diets. The concentration of total mercury in hair was determined using an atomic absorption spectrometer. In this study, 98 pregnant women were invited to participate (aged from 18 to 48 years). The mean content of mercury in the hair of pregnant women in Northwestern Russia was 0.428 mg/kg (ranging from 0.018 to 3.1 mg/kg). As a result, 22% of women had mercury values above 0.58 mg/kg, which is considered dangerous for the fetus. The hair mercury concentration in a village area was higher than that in a city area (i.e., 0.548 mg/kg and 0.326 mg/kg). Moreover, the maximum level of mercury was noted for a group of pregnant women who consumed more than 5 kg/month of fish and fish products. Furthermore, the consumption of freshwater fish in the diet leads to a higher mercury content in the hair of pregnant women than the consumption of marine fish.

Impact of Agriculture Fertilizer Containing Nitrogen on Oxygen Consumption of Freshwater Fish; Tilapia mossambica

Impact of Agriculture Fertilizer Containing Nitrogen on Oxygen Consumption of Freshwater Fish; Tilapia mossambica

Human diphyllobothriosis in Taiwan: A review of cases and molecular evidence of Dibothriocephalus nihonkaiensis

Diphyllobothriosis is an infectious disease caused by the consumption of raw freshwater or marine fish containing larvae of broad tapeworms (Diphyllobothriidae). In the present study, we critically reviewed all cases of human diphyllobothriosis reported from Taiwan, including unpublished reports from hospitals in Taipei. Genotyping based on mitochondrial DNA marker (cox1) confirmed that two of the recent cases were caused by Dibothriocephalus nihonkaiensis, which is not native to Taiwan and was probably imported with Pacific salmon infected with larvae of D. nihonkaiensis. The causative species previously reported in Taiwan could not be definitively confirmed. However, considering the distribution of Dibothriocephalus latus, which is not endemic in Taiwan, past cases diagnosed as D. latus are questionable.

Linking Parasite, People and Places: The Food Networks of Liver Fluke Infection

One of the top ten foodborne parasitic infections of global concern is human infection of liver fluke through the consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish. This article examines the influences of human–environmental interactions of raw fish sharing and procurement connections on the geographic variation in liver fluke infection. We first discuss the networks embedded in the parasite life cycle that propagates disease transmission. Then, we collect 820 questionnaires from three provinces in northeast Thailand to visualize their fish-sharing and sharing-procurement networks, analyze how the connectivity differences in these networks might be linked to participants’ consumption behaviors and environmental settings, and determine how all these together affect liver fluke infection risks. The results show that infection was positively associated with procuring fish from ponds, but negatively associated with procuring fish from rivers. Incorporating fish procurement sites substantially increases network connectivity, reinforcing the human connection to key fish sources as a potential risk factor for infection. The consideration of the connections between human, disease hosts, and the environment, compared to the previously human-centric approach of deworming, offers new insights for public health intervention.

The early history of freshwater fish production and consumption in Thailand

The history of freshwater fish production and consumption in Thailand were reviewed in the late 1970s. While aquaculture had a history of more than a century in the country it had only started to expand relatively recently because of the abundance of wild fish in former times. Historical aspects of freshwater capture fisheries and freshwater aquaculture in Thailand, and the development of irrigation in Central Thailand which played an important role in facilitating the development of inland aquaculture in the country were reviewed. While dam construction led to the demise of the flood plain capture fishery, it provided a controlled water supply necessary for the subsequent development of aquaculture. The study informed the development of education and research in aquaculture at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). More recent developments in Thai aquaculture are outlined. Malnutrition in developing countries and fish in the Thai diet at the time of the study were also reviewed.

Dispersal history and bidirectional human-fish host switching of invasive, hypervirulent Streptococcus agalactiae sequence type 283.

Human group B Streptococcus (GBS) infections attributable to an invasive, hypervirulent sequence type (ST) 283 have been associated with freshwater fish consumption in Asia. The origin, geographic dispersion pathways and host transitions of GBS ST283 remain unresolved. We gather 328 ST283 isolate whole-genome sequences collected from humans and fish between 1998 and 2021, representing eleven countries across four continents. We apply Bayesian phylogeographic analyses to reconstruct the dispersal history of ST283 and combine ST283 phylogenies with genetic markers and host association to investigate host switching and the gain and loss of antimicrobial resistance and virulence factor genes. Initial dispersal within Asia followed ST283 emergence in the early 1980s, with Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong observed as early transmission hubs. Subsequent intercontinental dispersal originating from Vietnam began in the decade commencing 2001, demonstrating ST283 holds potential to expand geographically. Furthermore, we observe bidirectional host switching, with the detection of more frequent human-to-fish than fish-to-human transitions, suggesting that sound wastewater management, hygiene and sanitation may help to interrupt chains of transmission between hosts. We also show that antimicrobial resistance and virulence factor genes were lost more frequently than gained across the evolutionary history of ST283. Our findings highlight the need for enhanced surveillance, clinical awareness, and targeted risk mitigation to limit transmission and reduce the impact of an emerging pathogen associated with a high-growth aquaculture industry.

Influence of misconceptions and inappropriate eating behaviors on Opisthorchis viverrini infection among at-risk populations undergoing cholangiocarcinoma screening in Northeastern Thailand.

Raw or undercooked freshwater fish consumption contributes to persistent Opisthorchis viverrini infection in Northeast Thailand. This study aims to assess the relationship between misconceptions, unhealthy eating habits, and O. viverrini infection. Data were obtained from the Cholangiocarcinoma Screening and Care Program in Northeast Thailand from 2019 to 2021. Participants were screened for O. viverrini annually over the following 2years using the Kato-Katz technique. Misconceptions and unhealthy eating habits were assessed through questionnaires. The relationship between these factors and O. viverrini infection was evaluated using adjusted risk ratios (ARRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from generalized estimating equations under binomial regression framework. Of 5375 participants screened for O. viverrini over 3years, infection rates were 21.53%, 10.7%, and 4.6% each year, respectively. Out of those, 636 participants responded to questions regarding misconceptions. Results showed that participants who believed in the efficacy of putting lime or red ants in Koi pla (raw fish salad) or eating Koi pla with white whiskey to kill parasites, and early-stage cholangiocarcinoma can be cured, were 41% (ARR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.03-1.94) and 57% (ARR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.06-2.33), respectively, more likely to be infected with O. viverrini. Our study confirms that belief in using lime or red ants in Koi pla or eating Koi pla with white whiskey to make it cooked, or early-stage cholangiocarcinoma can be cured, increases O. viverrini infection risk in high-risk populations. Changing health beliefs and eating habits is necessary to reduce O. viverrini infection and its risk to cholangiocarcinoma.

A socio-ecological framework for examining foodborne parasitic infection risk

Human liver fluke infection through the consumption of raw freshwater fish is one of the foodborne parasitic infections of global concern. Despite decades of health campaign efforts, high prevalence of infection remains in different areas of the Lower Mekong Basin. This necessitates the consideration of the infection differences between places and the human-environment complexities of disease transmission. This paper used the socio-ecological model as a framework to unraveled the social science dimensions of liver fluke infection. We conducted questionnaire surveys in Northeast Thailand to gather participants’ knowledge on liver fluke infection and reasons for raw fish consumption. We synthesized our findings with prior work to identify factors influencing liver fluke infection at four socio-ecological levels. At the individual level, gender and age differences in food consumption habits and personal hygiene of open defection presented the behavioral risks. At the interpersonal level, family tradition and social gathering affected the disease risk. At the community level, physical-social-economic environments of land use and modernization, community health infrastructure and health volunteer support accounted for the varying degree of infection. At the policy level, impacts of regional and national regulations on disease control, health system organization structure, and government development projects were of concerned. The findings provide insights into how infection risks are shaped by people's behavior, social connectedness, interactions with places, and the interplay of these multi-level socio-ecological influences. The framework therefore allows a more comprehensive understanding of liver fluke infection risks to inform a culturally sensitive and sustainable disease control program.

Factors associated with inadequate urinary iodine concentration among pregnant women in Mbeya region Tanzania.

Background: Insufficient and excessive iodine intake during pregnancy can lead to serious health problems. In Tanzania, information available on iodine status during pregnancy is minimal. The aim of this study was to assess the iodine status and its association with socio-demographic factors in pregnant women in the Mbeya region, Tanzania. Method: A cross sectional survey involving 420 pregnant women (n=420) registered in Reproductive and Child Health Clinics was conducted. Data were collected via interviews and laboratory analysis of urinary iodine concentration (UIC). Results: Median UIC was 279.4μg/L (+/-26.1) to 1915μg/L. Insufficient iodine intake (UIC below 150μg/L) was observed in 17.14% of participants, sufficient intake in 24.29% and 58.57% had intakes above the recommended level (>250μg/L). Pregnant women who consume fish had an increased risk of insufficient iodine [Adjusted OR7= 2.60 (95%CI 1.31-5.15)] while the risk was lower for those who attended primary education compared to non-formal education [Adjusted OR= 0.29 (95%CI 0.08-0.99)]. Pregnant women resident in Mbarali district aged between 35-49 years were associated with an increased risk of UIC above recommended level [Adjusted OR=4.09 (95%CI 1.85-9.010] and [Adjusted OR=2.51 (95%CI 0.99-6.330] respectively . Conclusion: This study demonstrated a significant relationship between geographical factors (residence in the Mbarali district) and excess median urine iodine concentration, in addition, this study also found an association between consumption of freshwater fish and insufficient mean urine iodine concentration as indicated by the World Health Organization recommendation. Therefore, educational programs on iodine intake are needed as attending primary education was found to be a protective factor for insufficient median urine iodine concentration.

Sulfur isotopic discrimination factors differ among avian tissues and diets: Insights from a case study in Gentoo Penguins

Abstract The use of stable isotopes of sulfur (δ34S) to infer avian diets, foraging habitats, and movements is relatively uncommon, resulting in a lack of information on patterns of δ34S incorporation in avian tissue. In a controlled study of Gentoo Penguins (Pygoscelis papua), we found that diet-tissue isotopic discrimination factors (Δ34Sdiet-tissue) differed among egg components and feathers synthesized from a common diet, ranging from –0.4 to –1.7‰. We also found that methodical choices such as lipid extraction and prey tissue selection influenced calculated Δ34Sdiet-tissue values. Specifically, Δ34Sdiet-tissue values were lower (i.e., more negative) when calculated using whole fish relative to fish muscle and lipid-extraction biased egg yolk, but not fish tissue, δ34S values. The Δ34Sdiet-tissue values obtained for Gentoo Penguins fed a marine fish diet were generally lower than those reported for freshwater fish consumption by Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus), the only other bird species in which Δ34Sdiet-tissue has been quantified. We found support for the hypothesis that tissue Δ34Sdiet-tissue values are inversely related to dietary δ34S values in birds, similar to what has been observed in mammals. Given this relationship, the discrimination factors reported here for Gentoo Penguins may be broadly applicable to other avian species with a similar marine diet. Finally, we provide recommendations for future studies seeking to quantify Δ34Sdiet-tissue in avian tissues and guidance to allow for greater application of sulfur stable isotope analysis in ornithological research.

Dietary Practices During the Late Neolithic and the Bronze Age in the Territory of Latvia: A Case Study of Lake Lubāns Wetland and the Lower Daugava

This paper deals with the identification and comparison of dietary practices and their changes from the Late Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age in two different ecosystems – the lower reaches of the Daugava river and Lake Lubāns wetland. Zooarchaeological, palaeobotanical, and stable isotope evidence of chemical elements were used. The obtained results show that the beginning of early farming in Latvia can be observed in the late Neolithic period, especially for the Corded Ware Culture people. However, the consumption of freshwater fish also remains significant during this period. Farming, as the main form of food provision, became established in Latvia in the Middle Bronze Age.

Locally caught freshwater fish across the United States are likely a significant source of exposure to PFOS and other perfluorinated compounds

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, gained significant public and regulatory attention due to widespread contamination and health harms associated with exposure. Ingestion of PFAS from contaminated food and water results in the accumulation of PFAS in the body and is considered a key route of human exposure. Here we calculate the potential contribution of PFOS from consumption of locally caught freshwater fish to serum levels. We analyzed data for over 500 composite samples of fish fillets collected across the United States from 2013 to 2015 under the U.S. EPA's monitoring programs, the National Rivers and Streams Assessment and the Great Lakes Human Health Fish Fillet Tissue Study. The two datasets indicate that an individual's consumption of freshwater fish is potentially a significant source of exposure to perfluorinated compounds. The median level of total targeted PFAS in fish fillets from rivers and streams across the United States was 9,500 ng/kg, with a median level of 11,800 ng/kg in the Great Lakes. PFOS was the largest contributor to total PFAS levels, averaging 74% of the total. The median levels of total detected PFAS in freshwater fish across the United States were 278 times higher than levels in commercially relevant fish tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2019–2022. Exposure assessment suggests that a single serving of freshwater fish per year with the median level of PFAS as detected by the U.S. EPA monitoring programs translates into a significant increase of PFOS levels in blood serum. The exposure to chemical pollutants in freshwater fish across the United States is a case of environmental injustice that especially affects communities that depend on fishing for sustenance and for traditional cultural practices. Identifying and reducing sources of PFAS exposure is an urgent public health priority.

IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE WELFARE LEVEL OF FRESHWATER CONSUMPTION FISH CULTIVATION

The existence of the COVID-19 pandemic has become a scourge for the community and several Indonesian sectors, including the fisheries sector. The rapid spread of COVID-19 prompted the government to issue regulations requiring people to carry out large-scale social restrictions. This policy causes community activities and aquaculture production to decrease, consumption of freshwater fish. This study aims to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the welfare level of freshwater fish cultivators in Toboali District, and examine the efforts made by freshwater fish cultivators in Toboali District to maintain their business during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study uses a survey method conducted on several freshwater fish cultivators in Toboali District with the criteria that the cultivators have been cultivating freshwater fish for 2 years and only do the enlargement. The data were analyzed using a descriptive approach. Based on the results of research that the Covid-19 pandemic has an impact on decreasing household income, increasing household spending, and decreasing the quality of education for household members. The declining income of farmers was due to the closed culinary business and the low selling price of fish. The household expenditure of fish cultivators consuming freshwater in a month during the COVID-19 pandemic increased because farmers had to pay bank loan installments. The declining quality of education occurs due to several factors from online learning and children who help work. Various efforts made by freshwater fish cultivators to maintain their business during the COVID-19 pandemic are family members coming to work, reducing the amount of production, reducing household expenses, looking for alternative jobs, utilizing social networks, using social media as a marketing medium, making bank loans. , and maintain fish quality.

Occurrence and Estimated Daily Intake of Cortisone and Cortisol in Aquatic Food from China TDS.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) widely exist in animal food including aquatic food. This study aimed to survey the occurrences of cortisone and cortisol in aquatic food and the estimated daily intake (EDI) of cortisone and cortisol due to different habits of aquatic food consumption. The mean levels of cortisone and cortisol in freshwater fish purchased from market were 14.59 μg/kg and 69.15 μg/kg, respectively, which were markedly higher than the levels in marine fish. A test using Zebrafish was performed to compare the concentration of GCs by different killing methods. The results suggested that physically traumatic killing methods are one of the reasons why the levels of GCs in freshwater fish were higher than those in marine fish. The concentrations of cortisone and cortisol in composite aquatic food samples from 12 provincial districts of the fourth China Total Diet Study (TDS) were 0.72~15.75 μg/kg and 4.90~66.13 μg/kg, respectively, which were positively correlated with the distance from the coastline. Further, the correlation coefficient between the levels of cortisone and cortisol in aquatic food and the percentages of freshwater fish consumption were 0.758 (p < 0.01) and 0.908 (p < 0.01), respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between the levels of cortisone and cortisol in aquatic food in the fourth TDS and the percentages of freshwater fish consumption. The calculated average EDIs of cortisone and cortisol from aquatic food in the fourth TDS were 0.16 μg/d and 0.72 μg/d, respectively.

Feasibility Study for Catfish Farming Business in A Bucket in Kp Biru, Malang, East Java, Indonesia

The Covid-19 pandemic that occurred in Indonesia has had a negative impact on various sectors such as health, economy, and others. There needs to be a strategic solution to survive. There are various ways people survive and win against the Covid-19 pandemic. The community's economy is destroyed. This is certainly a trigger for people to do anything to survive. The emergence of household-scale businesses. Creative ideas are emerging. One of them is damber catfish cultivation in kp Biru, Malang, East Java. The author is interested in making this damber catfish cultivation object. business feasibility study research. Catfish is one type of fish that can live in high density. This fish has a good conversion rate of feed into body weight. With these properties, catfish farming will be very profitable if done intensively. Catfish (Clarias sp) is one type of freshwater fish consumption. Catfish is a type of catfish or in other words a fish that has a mustache. Catfish are raft and caninal. The characteristics of catfish are elongated and slightly rounded body shape, on the pectoral fins there are hard and sharp spines (patil), striped body color with a flat head and there is a mustache and slippery because it does not have scales. This fish has an additional breathing apparatus in the form of a modification of its gill arc, namely arborescent. This catfish has a fairly complete nutritional content. The chemical and nutritional content of catfish are fat, protein, vitamins (BI, B). The study used descriptive qualitative methods and participatory methods, observations and interviews. The study also used SWOT analysis to map strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats. The SWOT method can be used to determine strategies, fix deficiencies and can also read competitors. The final result of this damber catfish business feasibility study can be an indicator of how to run this business better from the management aspect including product, management, HR, marketing and financial aspects. Good business management will increasingly provide promising benefits. The purpose of this research is to encourage people to be more active, creative and productive and to continue to innovate to create something different. The harvest can be developed for processed products so that they become added value and become various kinds of processed innovations. With the innovation of this catfish processed product, it is hoped that it can change the community's economy to be stronger. Be more independent and Isa will create a new strong businessman

Factors associated with inadequate urinary iodine concentration among pregnant women in Mbeya region Tanzania.

Background: Insufficient and excessive iodine intake during pregnancy can lead to serious health problems. In Tanzania, information available on iodine status during pregnancy is minimal. The aim of this study was to assess the iodine status and its association with socio-demographic factors in pregnant women in the Mbeya region, Tanzania. Method: A cross sectional survey involving 420 pregnant women (n=420) registered in Reproductive and Child Health Clinics was conducted. Data were collected via interviews and laboratory analysis of urinary iodine concentration (UIC). Results: Median UIC was 279.4μg/L (+/-26.1) to 1915μg/L. Insufficient iodine intake (UIC below 150μg/L) was observed in 17.14% of participants, sufficient intake in 24.29% and 58.57% had intakes above the recommended level (>250μg/L). Pregnant women who consume fish had an increased risk of insufficient iodine [Adjusted OR7= 2.60 (95%CI 1.31-5.15)] while the risk was lower for those who attended primary education compared to non-formal education [Adjusted OR= 0.29 (95%CI 0.08-0.99)]. Pregnant women resident in Mbarali district aged between 35-49 years were associated with an increased risk of UIC above recommended level [Adjusted OR=4.09 (95%CI 1.85-9.010] and [Adjusted OR=2.51 (95%CI 0.99-6.330] respectively . Conclusion: This study demonstrated a significant relationship between geographical factors (residence in the Mbarali district) and excess median urine iodine concentration, in addition, this study also found an association between consumption of freshwater fish and insufficient mean urine iodine concentration as indicated by the World Health Organization recommendation. Therefore, educational programs on iodine intake are needed as attending primary education was found to be a protective factor for insufficient median urine iodine concentration.

Freshwater fish consumption in the prevention of diseases

Freshwater fish consumption in the prevention of diseases

Benefit-risk assessment of consuming fish and shrimp from a large eutrophic freshwater lake, China

In this study, contents of fatty acids, essential trace elements (Fe, I, Zn, Se, Cu, Mo, Cr) and non-essential trace elements (As, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb) were quantified in fish and shrimp species from large eutrophic Chaohu Lake, southeastern China. Total fat acids in the samples were 0.10–2.41 g/100 g, in which DHA+EPA were 0.03–0.24 g/100 g. Mean content of essential trace elements (μg/g) in fish and shrimp species followed the order of Fe (10.3)>Cu (9.9)>Zn (7.7)>Cr (1.42)>Se (0.337)>Mo (0.285)>I (0.023). The As, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb content in the samples were <4.5–218, 14–97, 3–47, 4200–11300 and 144–1130 μg/kg, respectively, which was below the national maximum limit with the exception of Pb content in several samples. Benefit-risk assessment for fish and shrimp consumption was conducted on the basis of nutrients and contaminants. To achieve the recommended 250 mg of DHA+EPA daily intake, results of benefit-risk assessment indicated that fish and shrimp consumption can be major source of Se, Cu, Mo and Cr intake, whereas fish consumption was potential non-carcinogenic risk exposure for Ni. Benefit-risk assessment contributed to the identification of main benefits and hazards of freshwater fish and shrimp consumption for general inland population in China, especially those residing in middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River.

Food Choice and Prey Selection by Great Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo in a Shallow Coastal Zone in the Dutch Delta Area: Importance of Local Flatfish Stocks

Coastal breeding Great Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo foraging in a shallow part of the Dutch North Sea preyed upon abundant marine demersal fish species. In 2010–2012 intensive fish surveys were performed in the Voordelta area and in 2009–2015 Cormorant pellets were sampled in the breeding colony of Breede Water, Voorne, four times per year between March and September. In total 48 fish species were detected in the diet, 38 being marine species. Mainly flatfish were consumed, and European Plaice, Common Dab and Common Sole were the most important prey according to fish mass. Experimental trawling revealed 65 species of fish of which gobies, Herring, Whiting, Sprat, European Plaice and Common Dab were the most abundant. Compared to the trawl data, Cormorants showed a preference for Common Dab and Common Sole and for other solitary bottom fish like sandeels and Shorthorn Sculpin. These species were all common in the area. With respect to uncommon and rare species, no preferential selection was recorded. Densities of flatfish were highest in foraging areas closest to the breeding colony and possible depletion effects were only recorded in Common Dab. This diurnal species was already being preyed upon early in the season. Nocturnal foraging habits in other flatfish species, in combination with burrowing behaviour and rounded body shape are effective anti-predator traits and this was reflected in lower frequencies of these species in the Cormorants' diet. Consumption of freshwater fish by Cormorants at the beginning of the breeding period enabled an early start to breeding, and the increasing availability of flatfish in late spring matched the peak demand of rearing nestlings. The almost exclusive predation on flatfish was probably caused by the near-bottom foraging behaviour of most Cormorants and this habit made the birds feed on other abundant demersal fish species as well, such as Whiting, sandeels, Shorthorn Sculpin, Lesser Weever and dragonet species. And although numerous in the system, this bottom-oriented feeding behaviour of Cormorants therefore resulted in a very limited predation on pelagic fish species. In total we estimate an annual extraction by Cormorants of some 100 tonnes of fish being c. 77,600 kg flatfish and c. 20,700 kg other marine fish. Although with a foraging range partly outside the coastal zone, the extraction of fish by Harbour Seals Phoca vitulina and Grey Seals Halichoerus grypus outnumbered that of Cormorants by a factor of 9. As seals are known flatfish consumers, this suggests that there is competition between mammalian and avian predators on demersal fish stocks in the coastal zone.

A Freshwater Fish-Based Diet Alleviates Liver Steatosis by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Metabolites: A Clinical Randomized Controlled Trial in Chinese Participants With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

INTRODUCTION:We aimed to assess the effects of 2 isoenergetic intervention diets (a freshwater fish-based diet [F group] or freshwater fish-based and red meat-based diets alternately [F/M group]) on liver steatosis and their relationship with intestinal flora in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).METHODS:In this open-label, 84-day randomized controlled trial, 34 NAFLD patients with hepatic steatosis ≥10% were randomly assigned to the F group or F/M group in a 1:1 ratio using a computer-generated random number allocation by a researcher not involved in the study. Liver fat content and gut microbiota and its metabolites were measured.RESULTS:At the end of intervention, the absolute reduction of hepatic steatosis was significantly greater in the F group than in the F/M group (−4.89% vs −1.83%, P = 0.032). Of the 16 secondary clinical outcomes, the improvement in 7 in the F group was greater compared with the F/M group, including alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase. Furthermore, dietary freshwater fish and red meat consumption alternately did not exacerbate NAFLD. Moreover, changes in the enrichment of Faecalibacterium, short-chain fatty acids, and unconjugated bile acids and the depletion of Prevotella 9 and conjugated bile acids in the F group were significantly greater compared with the F/M group.DISCUSSION:Higher intake of freshwater fish may be beneficial to NAFLD by regulating gut microbiota and its metabolites, whereas intake of a similar total of animal protein and fat from the alternating freshwater fish and red meat may not be harmful for NAFLD in the dietary management of patients with NAFLD.