The importance of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in functional foods and nutraceutical

Abstract

The relationship between diet and health has garnered significant attention, with increasing interest in foods that support disease prevention and overall well-being. This study highlights the functional role of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in human nutrition and health, specifically examining its potential as a functional food and nutraceutical. As a vital component of food security, fish offers essential nutrients beyond basic nutrition, including omega-3 fatty acids and bioavailable micronutrients. This review combines secondary data and insights from fish utilization experiences to outline catfish’s functionality and health-promoting properties. It explores previous studies on the nutritional profile, fatty acid composition, and health advantages of catfish as well as studies on fish's role in food security and functional foods. Practical observations and empirical research further informed the bioavailability and efficacy of key nutrients in catfish. This combined approach allowed a thorough assessment of the nutraceutical potential of both cage-cultured and wild catfish, highlighting its value in promoting health and preventing chronic diseases. Analysis of fatty acid profiles in both cage-cultured and wild-caught catfish reveals that catfish provides a balanced array of fatty acids, with cage-cultured samples containing 33.19% saturated fatty acids (SFA), 51.47% monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and 15.35% polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including essential omega-3 eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA), which are linked to cardiovascular health benefits. This profile underscores catfish’s potential as a functional food to improve dietary quality and support disease prevention. The study contributes valuable insights for both consumers and policymakers on the importance of catfish in achieving healthy diets.