Skip to main content
ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BHNRC) » Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center » Nutrient Data Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #234286
Title: Total Fat, n-3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin D3 in Selected Fish Species Sampled Under USDA’s National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program (NFNAP)

Author
item Exler, Jacob
item Byrdwell, W Craig
item Holden, Joanne
item Lemar, Linda
item Patterson, Kristine
item Pehrsson, Pamela
item PHILLPS, R - VIRGINIA TECH

Submitted to: Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/5/2008
Publication Date: 4/22/2009
Citation: Exler, J., Byrdwell, W.C., Holden, J.M., Lemar, L.E., Patterson, K.K., Pehrsson, P.R., Phillps, R. 2009. Total fat, n-3 fatty acids and vitamin D3 in selected fish species sampled under USDA’s National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program (NFNAP). Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Conference, April 18-22, 2009, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: As part of the USDA’s National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program (NFNAP), new analytical data were determined for the 20 most frequently consumed raw fish identified for FDA’s voluntary nutrition labeling. Samples of 21 fish species were purchased from 12 supermarkets nationwide according to a statistical sampling plan. The samples were processed at Virginia Tech (a cooperator of USDA’s Nutrient Data Laboratory), and detailed information on each sample was recorded. Sample composites and QC materials were analyzed by qualified laboratories. Because fish are a natural source of n-3 fatty acids and vitamin D3, data for these nutrients and total fat are being reported. Results for n-3 fatty acids show that the highest amounts were found in salmon and rainbow trout, closely related species, and lower amounts were in shrimp, scallops, and tuna. Preliminary results for vitamin D3 in wild salmon species show that values vary from 10 mcg/100g or less in foreign caught samples to between 10 and 20 mcg/100g in domestic caught samples. Nutrient profiles for these species will be released to the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (http://www.ars.usda.gov/nutrientdata), which is used to support the USDA/NHANES food consumption surveys, food and nutrition policy, and consumer education. Support by USDA, NIH #Y1CN5010, FDA, and the Beverage Institute for Health & Wellness (Coca-Cola, Inc.)