University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Los Baños, Laguna, 4031 Philippines
Corresponding author
jemn.serrano@gmail.com
, Sheila F. Abacan1 , Lotis E. Mopera1 ,Julius Howell P. Regalado1 , Maria Theresa M. Mutia2
An assessment of the current nutrient composition and heavy metal contents of the only freshwater sardine, Sardinella tawilis (Herre, 1927), was conducted due to lake environment changes, recent episodes of volcanic eruptions, antiquated nutrient data, and food system influence. Freshwater sardines, commonly known as "tawilis", were acquired from four different sampling sites of Taal Lake, namely San Nicolas, Cuenca, Tanauan City, and Agoncillo, along with lake water samples. Proximate composition, fatty acid (FA) profile, and heavy metal concentrations (Hg, Pb, Cd) were analyzed. Mean proximate values for fish include moisture (69.15±3.01%), protein (17.48±0.72%), fat (8.98±1.84%), ash (3.32±0.24%), and carbohydrate (2.19±1.61%), which yields approximately 158±19 kcal/100g. There is no significant difference (p>0.05) in the proximate composition (%) among fish samples. Total saturated FA had the highest value (5.88±0.74 g/100g) among fatty acid groups, followed by monounsaturated FA (1.24±0.77 g/100g), then the polyunsaturated FA (0.71±0.46 g/100g), wherein palmitic acid is the most predominant FA. Tawilis is a "high protein" food since 100g of raw fish provides >20% of Filipino adults aged 19-59 daily protein requirement. Hg, Pb, and Cd contents of both fish and water samples were below the maximum allowable concentrations, thus, there is no heavy metal contamination. Parallel studies concerning variations in seasons, environmental conditions, cooking or processing methods, and analysis of other significant nutrient components could be conducted. The food composition of other native and endemic fishes may also be investigated, along with their potential contribution to food and nutrition security.