Variations in proximate composition and fatty acid profiles of Baltic sprat (Sprattus sprattus balticus)

► Baltic sprat is used to produce canned and smoked products and fish meal and oil. ► Variations in fatty acid profiles depend on fish size and season, but not on sex. ► The most advantageous ratio of n−3/n−6 for human health occurred in the smallest sprat. The variability of the proximate composition and fatty acid profiles in samples of sprat (Sprattus sprattus balticus) from the southern Baltic Sea were studied in relation to the catch season and location, individual fish size, and sex. Fatty acid profiles depended on such features as fish size and lipid content, which depend on the season of the year in which the fish were caught. No differences in fatty acid profiles were noted between the sexes in the individuals examined. Studies on fish lipids are necessary as fish lipids are important in the prevention of cardiac disease. One of the chief advantages of fish lipids that is relevant to the prevention of cardiac disease is their n−3 to n−6 fatty acid ratio. The most advantageous ratio of these fatty acids was noted in sprat that were the smallest in length.