Global study reveals hidden nutritional value of shellfish and other aquatic invertebrates
The nutritional value of aquatic invertebrates such as oysters, mussels and crabs has been significantly overlooked, according to a new study led by researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).
The nutritional value of aquatic invertebrates such as oysters, mussels and crabs has been significantly overlooked, according to a new study led by researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).
The short version
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- Aquatic food systems are typically evaluated by the amount of food they produce rather than the nutrients they provide.
- The researchers say a better understanding of nutritional value can help ensure nutrition is at the forefront of discussions, so future food systems deliver both healthy diets and sustainable use of marine resources.
What happened
"For far too long, we have measured success of aquatic food systems in tons of production, rather than in the nutrients they deliver to people," said Jessica Zamborain-Mason, lead author of the study and assistant professor of marine science at KAUST. "Our research shows that aquatic invertebrates make a much greater nutritional contribution than many people realize.
Why it matters
The resulting dataset allows people to start accounting for nutrition within broader socio-ecological objectives and provides the means to put aquatic invertebrates at the forefront of current and future nutrition-security discussions.
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