Fatty acid profiles in some of most common fish species from the southern coasts of Iran

Changes in diet during the recent years have caused a marked increase in consumption of saturated fatty acids and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with a concomitant decrease in the intake of n-3 PUFAs. Increased fish consumption has been shown to be one of the best way to increase dietary intake of long-chain n-3 PUFAs such as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid and more balanced n-6: n-3 ratios. Our objective in this research was to characterize fatty acid profile of 7 commonly consumed fish species with different prices, from Persian Gulf. Fishes were collected from local market of Bandar abbas. Fatty acid composition of samples was determined using gas chromatography. This analysis revealed that Pomadasys kakkam and Pseudorhombus elevates contained highest concentrations of n-3 PUFA, low saturated fatty acids (42.41%, 35%) and Pampus argennteus, as one of the most expensive among southern marine fishes contained lowest concentrations of n-3 PUFA, higher saturated fatty acids (6.72% , 42%).