Unraveling the nutritional potential: A biochemical study of three indigenous fish species in Bangladesh

Three fish species, Notopterus notopterus (Foli), Ompok pabo (Pabda), and Cirrhinus reba (Raik), that are native to the Mathabhanga River were the subjects of this study to assess their nutritional values. Samples from the Mathabhanga River in Chuadanga underwent rigorous processing and oven-drying to evaluate their biochemical properties. There were differences in the percentages of the fishes' biochemical composition; three species have notable amounts of moisture, crude protein, crude fat, ash, carbohydrate, and energy; these percentages range from 64.37 to 77.70 %, 13.87 to 17.18 %, 2.92 to 12.54 %, 2.36 to 5.86 %, 2.19 to 3.06 %, and 92.46 to 197.09 Kcal/100g, respectively. The mineral series (Nacl, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Iron) revealed different results for three samples with respective values as follows: 1.51 to 1.98 mg/100 g, 245.02 to 830.01 mg/100 g, 29.02 to 36.01 mg/100 g, 226.74 to 854.51 mg/100g , and 25.32 to 36.95 mg/100 g. N. notopterus and O. pabo also contained higher levels of calcium and phosphorus, respectively. On the flip side, three species had fewer sodium chloride levels than all other nutrients. Since the functions of detecting minerals are linked to bone building, brain development, and muscle contraction, this research suggests they will play a significant role in these processes. These findings highlight the nutritional benefits of the studied fish species, recommending their use as a dietary supplement to combat malnutrition and improve food security in Bangladesh.