Monthly variations in proximate composition, fatty acid quality and amino acid score of warty crab, Eriphia verrucosa (Forsskal, 1775) from the Southern Coast of Black Sea, Turkey

Abstract

In this study, monthly amino acid and fatty acid contents of warty crab (Eriphia verrucosa) were determined. From the southern coast of the Black Sea, fifty individuals of warty crab were caught every month. Amino acid score (AAS), chemical score (CS), and meal size amino acid score (MSAAS) were calculated. In August, when E. verrucosa breeds densely, the crude protein (%13.52) rate was found to be the lowest compared to other months. In September, the crude fat rate (1.07%) was found to be the lowest, and in August, moisture was the highest. Among the essential amino acids (EAA) determined during the study, lysine reached the highest value each month followed by leucine and isoleucine, respectively. On the other hand, among the non-essential amino acids (NEAA), aspartic acid and glutamic acid were the highest each month followed by glycine and alanine, respectively. The mean DHA/EPA ratio was calculated as 0.52±0.031. Moreover, the ratio of ω-6:ω-3 ratio was determined as 1:2.92. AI, TI, PI, h/H, and FLQ indexes were calculated as 0.30, 0.22, 1.97, 3.52, and 25.50, respectively. E. verrucosa can be recommended for a healthy diet according to its high protein and low-fat content, high AAS, CS, MSAAS, EPA-DHA, and ω-3/ω-6 levels determined in this study. Furthermore, these values comply with the suggestions of World Health Organization (WHO).