Fish And Human Nutrition
- Part 2 -

By:- Bijayalaxmi Nongmaithem / Ajit Kumar Ngangbam *

FISH AND MICRONUTRIENTS

VITAMINS Fish is an excellent source of the vitamin B niacin which assists in the functioning of the digestive system, skin and nerves. It is also important for the conversion of food to energy and Vitamin B12 is critical in building DNA and RNA, the maintenance of the nervous system, fatty acid synthesis, homocysteine metabolism and energy production, and in general fish is a better source of Vitamins D and A than beef, pork or chicken.

Fish is well known as a source of fat soluble vitamins A and D. Vitamin A in fish is of a type that is easily absorbed by the body.

Vitamin A is important in the eye for transmission of light stimuli to the brain. It promotes growth and health of all cells and is particularly important for endothelial cells. Vitamin D is needed for healthy bones as it helps to absorb calcium in the body.

A low level of vitamin D can lead to osteoporosis (brittle bone disease) or osteomalacia (softening of the bones). Fatty seafood such as mackerel, herring, salmon and trout are all rich in vitamin A and D. The Vitamin D is vital for the formation of bones.

Fish can also contribute appreciable amounts of dietary calcium, heme iron and zinc, nutrients that tend to be low in people's diets. Nutritional experts recommend people to eat fish, especially fatty fish at least two to three times a week

MINERALS

The minerals present in fish include iron, calcium, zinc, iodine (from marine fish), phosphorus, selenium and fluorine. These minerals are highly 'bioavailable' meaning that they are easily absorbed by the body.

Iron is important in the synthesis of hemoglobin in red blood cells which is important for transporting oxygen to all parts of the body. Iron deficiency is associated with anemia, impaired brain function and in infants is associated with poor learning ability and poor behavior. Due to its role in the immune system, its deficiency may also be associated with increased risk of infection.

Calcium is required for strong bones formation and mineralization and for the normal functioning of muscles and the nervous system. It is also important in the blood clotting process. Vitamin D is required for its proper absorption.

The intake of calcium, phosphorus and fluorine is higher when small fish are eaten with their bones rather than when the fish bones are discarded. Deficiency of calcium may be associated with rickets in young children and osteomalacia (softening of bones) in adults and older people.

Fluorine is also important for strong bones and teeth. Zinc plays an important role in growth and development as well in the proper functioning of the immune system and for a health skin. Zinc deficiency is associated with poor growth, skin problems and loss of hair among other problems.

Fish contains more iodine than any other food in a normal diet. Eating one or two fish-based meals every week provides enough to meet the recommended daily Intake for adults. It is important for hormone development.

A person who doesn't have enough iodine in his diet may develop an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) or other iodine deficiency disorders.

Fish is also an excellent source of selenium. The amount of selenium in fish varies between 0.02 and 0.06mg per 100g fish flesh. Selenium is incorporated into a number of enzymes in the body, such as glutathione peroxidase.

This enzyme plays an important role in protecting cell membrane from damage by free radicals, which are linked with increased risk of heart disease and cancer. Gluthathione peroxidase makes free radicals harmless and helps to protect against heart disease and certain cancers.

IMPORTANCE OF FISH AND FISH OIL FOR CHILDREN

Fish is soft, easy to cook and more easily digested than meat so even young children can be fed fish, contributing to improved nutrient intake. Fish can also be used as complementary foods especially in paste or powder form.

According to a latest study, fish oil can dramatically boost the performances of young kids at school. Fish oil is an ideal dietary supplement as it provides health benefits and is regarded as 'wonder food'.

A recent study has revealed that students who took fish oil scored an average of 2 grades higher than the students who didn't take it. Human brain develops rapidly during infancy and teenage. Fish oil contains the essential component that boosts the natural development process of brain.

The presence of omega-3 fatty acids, which is good for better brain function, has made fish oil such an essential food for the kids.

According to another research, a daily dose of fish oil has outperformed the medicine in treating hyperactivity. Fish oil is also useful for kids suffering from learning difficulties such as dyslexia. It is also rich in quality to treat eczema.

FISH AND HIV/AIDS

The World Health Authority estimates that people living with HIV survive up to eight years longer if they have a good, varied diet. Not only is overall health improved, but the efficacy of antiretroviral drugs appears to be enhanced.

Fish can contribute significantly to the nutritional regime of those living with HIV particularly in terms of the high qualityprotein and micronutrients that fish provide in a readily accessible form.

CONCLUSION

Fish remains one of the healthiest, low-calorie sources of many nutrients, such as protein, the cholesterol-lowering omega-3 fatty acids, the B vitamins, fluoride, iodine, zinc, and iron. The importance of fish for the health of consumers and producers demands policy attention.

Realizing the importance of fish to human nutrition, in addition to its role in reducing poverty and hunger, The World Fish Center is strengthening its aquaculture and fisheries programme by mainstreaming nutrition in its community based projects. By considering all the above points, fish should be an integral component of the human diet.

Concluded.....