Oysters, mussels, shrimp, crabs, and squid may make up a relatively small portion of the world’s seafood by weight, but new research suggests they provide an outsized share of key nutrients.
That could have major implications for public health, as previous estimates suggested that a large portion of the global population is deficient in at least one essential micronutrient.
Here’s what to know
According to Earth.com, Marine Scientist Jessica Zamborain-Mason of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia led the research efforts.
To conduct the analysis, the researchers used 2019 as their reference year and merged worldwide catch data, aquaculture production figures, and nutrient information covering 30 nutrients in aquatic foods.
Across marine fisheries, aquatic invertebrates made up roughly 15% of landings by weight, but their nutritional contribution exceeded that proportion for 11 of the 30 nutrients examined.
In marine landings alone, these species provided over 30% of the available vitamin C and manganese, and they also accounted for more than a quarter of folate, selenium, and sodium.
Aquaculture showed an even bigger imbalance: invertebrates represented about one-third of farmed aquatic output by weight while supplying over 70% of the copper and zinc, plus more than half of the sodium, iodine, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and iron.
“For far too long, we have measured success of aquatic food systems in tonnes of production, rather than in the nutrients they deliver to people,” Zamborain-Mason said, per Earth.com.
More background
At the same time, the findings do not mean shellfish and other invertebrates dominate every category of nutrition.
Protein, potassium, and vitamins A, D, and B6 were still supplied primarily by fish and other aquatic foods.
Bivalves — including oysters, mussels, and clams — were estimated to have the highest levels of iron, iodine, zinc, and B12.
Sea urchins and sea cucumbers showed the strongest estimated levels of selenium, magnesium, manganese, and sodium. Meanwhile, cold-water species were associated with more omega-3 fats, while deeper-water species also tracked with elevated omega-3s plus iron, iodine, and selenium.
The team estimated that a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of raw invertebrate muscle could meet upward of 85% of daily selenium, chromium, and B12 needs, along with more than half of copper and iodine needs.
What’s being done?
The study measured nutrient supply in the global seafood system, not who actually consumed those nutrients, how much they cost, or how evenly they were distributed.
The authors said the results should not be taken as permission for heavier harvesting, Earth.com reported.
Many invertebrate groups under greater fishing pressure still lack sustainability assessments, making sustainable harvest limits difficult to judge.
The team built its analysis using 13,888 nutrient samples across 465 invertebrate species, then relied on models to estimate nutrient values for the 50,807 animals SeaLifeBase classifies as potentially edible.
This type of nutrient accounting could help governments, seafood producers, and health officials make more informed decisions about food planning, aquaculture, and conservation.
According to Earth.com, Zamborain-Mason added, “Many aquatic invertebrates around the globe are data-poor or unassessed in terms of sustainability. Our work emphasizes the need to better protect, monitor and assess these resources, as they, together with other aquatic foods, can be a key in achieving current and future nutrition security.”
Where can I learn more?
The KAUST-led findings connect to bigger questions about how people get key nutrients and how food systems use resources efficiently. This related coverage explores affordable protein options, emerging alternatives to conventional animal foods, and practical ways households can get more value from food scraps.
• Shoppers are increasingly seeking the cheapest plant-based protein options such as beans, lentils, and wheat gluten.
• Finnish company Solar Foods is advancing protein made out of thin air as a low-emissions food source.
• Home gardeners are using eggshells in compost to return calcium-rich leftovers to the soil.
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