In vivo effect of a functional product made from discards and sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum)

Abstract

Unwanted catches are an under-utilised marine resource. The European Union Regulation 1380/2013 introduces the obligation to land unwanted catches, creating the need to find an economically viable solution for the exploitation of these species that cannot be used for direct human consumption. Fishing discards, by their own condition, are constituted by a variable number and proportion of species whose composition changes with seasonality, fishing area, etc. At the industrial level, this heterogeneity is a limitation to valorise this precious resource by means of the elaboration of restructured products. Therefore, the design of standardized formulas for obtaining fishery products from them, to which technological and/or functional ingredients can be added, is a promising way to valorise and take advantage of this resource. The objective of this work was to evaluate the functional effect of a product made from different underutilised fish species and leaves of a halophyte plant (sea fennel) in mice. The animals were fed with the functional product or with standard diet during one month. Different blood parameters and composition of the intestinal microbiota were then analysed. The consumption of the functional product increased the iron levels in blood. Moreover, the total cholesterol levels lowered significantly, while the glucose levels decreased. On the other hand, the study of the intestinal microbiota indicates a tendency to increase the percentage of Bacteroids in groups that consumed fish protein as opposed to the control. To conclude, this product has shown an important functional effect in mice, and further studies should be performed on humans to confirm its functionality.