Potential contribution of captured fishes to the recommended nutrient intakes (RNIs): A case study of commercial fish species from Ikpoba reservoir, Edo State, Nigeria

Global concern for good health and well-being of human populations especially in underdeveloped and developing nations has necessitated the need for routine nutritional assessment of food sources. This study was undertaken to determine the nutrient composition of commonly consumed freshwater fish species in Ikpoba reservoir and to assess the potential contribution of selected key nutrients in the fishes to recommended nutrient intakes (RNIs). Proximate composition of Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia zillii showed moisture content of 61.09% and 63.39%; protein value of 15.15% and 15.71%; lipid value of 6.03% and 1.48%; and ash content of 4.58% and 5.09% respectively. Mineral content of fish species ranged from 3.32 to 5.64 mg/100 g (sodium); 8.14 to 12.64 mg/100 g (potassium); 2.56 to 4.42 mg/100 g (magnesium); 1.75 to 5.85 mg/100 g (calcium); 5.47 to 9.35 mg/100 g (iron) and 1.40 to 3.66 mg/100 g (zinc). Potential contribution to RNIs for preschool children and adults indicated that Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia zillii contributed ≥25% of RNIs for iron (38.71% and 44.57%) and zinc (38.33% and 25.67%) for preschool children. This study has increased the knowledge on the contribution of fishes to RNI in combating nutritional deficiencies in Nigeria.