T. V. Sankar, R. Anandan, Suseela Mathew, K. K. Asha, P. T. Lakshmanan, Jones Varkey, P. A. Aneesh Pand B. P. Mohanty
Proximate composition, amino acid profile, fatty acid composition and mineral status of Commerson’s anchovy (Stolephorus commersonii) in three different size groups (3-5g,6-10g,25-30g)were studied. Moisture content was high in big size group and low in small size group. Fat content was found to be high in small size group and low in big size group showing an inverse relation between moisture content and fat content. It was observed that the protein content was high in medium sized fish. The essential amino acid content was significantly higher in small(3- 5g)and medium sized fish compared to larger fish. The polyunsaturated fatty acid content was higher in small sized anchovies compared to other groups. The docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content was five times higher than the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) content in all the fishes irrespective of size. The higher content of EPA produces antithrombotic anti-inflammatory effects and help in calcium metabolism. The mineral content was found higher in small sized fishes. Anchovy can be a cheap and ideal dietary supplement for children and elderly.
