Multiple forms of malnutrition coexist in low- and lower middle-income nations like Bangladesh, suggesting the emergence of a double or triple burden of malnutrition. The efficacy of programs focused on nutrition may be hampered by this complexity. Iron, zinc, iodine, vitamin A, vitamin B12, folic acid, and other nutrients can cause hidden hunger even in the absence of a low energy intake. Food-based strategies, such as including meals high in important micronutrients, are acknowledged as successful ways to fight hidden hunger and lessen dependency on techniques like supplementation and fortification. Even though fish and fish products are abundant in several micronutrients, their ability to reduce hidden hunger is sometimes disregarded.
Marine fish are a key food source and an excellent source of macro and micro nutrients in Bangladesh coastal regions. DHA, zinc, calcium, and protein are all found in abundance in marine fish. Compared to other fish species, pelagic tiny fish, which are primarily caught by small-scale artisan fishermen, have higher nutritional value. Furthermore, it was shown that marine small fish, such as tilapia and large carps, were more nutrient-dense than fish species that are often eaten in freshwater in Bangladesh.
Marine fish are abundant in vital macro- and micronutrients that are highly bioavailable, simple to digest for people of all ages, and helpful in enhancing human health. It’s commonly recognized that fish are high in high-quality fatty acids, namely long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and highly accessible protein. But as recent studies have shown, fish are also a good source of minerals and vitamins like calcium, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, and vitamin D. Eating marine fish has been linked to numerous health benefits from fetal life to adulthood due to its high nutritional value. These advantages include reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disorders in adulthood, neuro-development during the embryonic stage, and cognitive and visual development during infancy and childhood.
Drying is a widely used technique of preservation for little fish, which are underappreciated resources whether eaten whole or as fish powder. On the other hand, for toddlers between the ages of 6 and 23 months, 10 grams of dry tiny fish powder may provide 100% of the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) for protein, calcium, selenium, and vitamin B12. Furthermore, it provides nursing or pregnant women with an important source of essential nutrients. Crucially, there is no risk connected to this consumption amount with regard to mercury or cadmium concentration.
Better-than-average proteins and healthy fats (such as long-chain omega-3 fatty acids like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and EPA) can be found in dried fish, especially marine dried fish, which is a major source of these nutrients. High-quality protein and amino acids are the main ingredients of dried fish. Compared to larger dried fish, smaller fish have higher mineral levels, such as calcium, iron, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, zinc, etc. Consuming dried seafood hence has positive health impacts for people. It lowers the risk of coronary heart disease and other cardiovascular disorders while aiding in the formation of bodily tissues, antibodies, and enzymes as well as the healing of damaged tissues. Furthermore, it improves hyperglycemia, lowers triglycerides, lowers insulin resistance, protects cancer, and treats inflammatory illnesses like arthritis.
Farhana Islam
Agriculturist, Researcher
Fisheries Resource Management, CVASU
