Comparison of the Proximate Compositions and Fatty Acid Profiles of Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus aurata) and Sole (Solea solea)

Abstract

Seasonal changes in the proximate composition and fatty acids of gilthead sea bream (S. aurata) and sole (S. solea) were investigated. The fish species (S. aurata and S. solea) analyzed were fairly high in protein (20.41-22.63 %). The highest lipid levels of gilthead sea bream were found in September and December. However the lipid levels of sole displayed fluctuations according to months with the highest values in September. The percentages of EPA and DHA of gilthead sea bream were between 3.86-4.59 and 5.96-19.64 %, respectively, according to the months. However, The EPA and DHA of the sole were also found 2.17-2.94 and 6.33-10.99 %, respectively. The ratios of n-3/n-6 PUFA content indicating the availability of n-3 PUFA that are beneficial for human health were 8.06, 18.97, 6.45 for gilthead sea bream and 5.53, 6.46, 6.65 for sole in December, April, September, respectively. The results of this study show that the consumption of gilthead sea bream and sole could meet this demand in terms of n-3 PUFA contents and the effects on health.