International Journal of Aquaculture, 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 40-50 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ija 47 Future practices should focus on optimizing the balance between sustainable feed ingredients and the nutritional quality of aquaculture fish. Continued research into alternative sources of n-3 LC-PUFA and the genetic potential for enhancing fatty acid composition will be essential for meeting the growing demand for health-promoting seafood (Sprague et al., 2016; Horn et al., 2018; Tocher et al., 2019). 7 Future Directions in Research 7.1 Emerging trends in aquaculture nutrition Recent studies have highlighted the critical role of essential fatty acids (EFAs) in aquaculture nutrition, emphasizing their impact on growth, reproduction, immunity, and product quality of aquaculture species. The nutritional value of specific fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has been well-documented, with DHA providing the greatest EFA value to most species. However, the optimal dietary inclusion levels and balance among fatty-acid classes (n-3 and n-6) and chain lengths vary among species, influenced by environmental origins such as freshwater, estuarine, or marine habitats. Future research should focus on refining the dietary requirements of EFAs for various aquaculture species, particularly in light of recent changes in high-nutrient-density diets and the declining dependence on marine-origin lipid sources. 7.2 Technological innovations for enhancing fatty acid profiles Technological advancements in aquaculture feed formulation are crucial for enhancing the fatty acid profiles of farmed fish. The use of alternative lipid resources such as grain, algal, and rendered oils has been proposed to meet the growing demand for aquaculture products while preserving the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content. Additionally, the development of biomarkers to differentiate wild and farmed fish based on their fatty acid composition can improve the accuracy of trade label information and ensure the quality of aquaculture products (Gladyshev et al., 2022). Future research should explore innovative feed ingredients and processing techniques that can enhance the nutritional quality of aquaculture fish, particularly focusing on increasing the levels of beneficial fatty acids such as DHA and EPA (Gladyshev et al., 2022). 7.3 Interdisciplinary research opportunities The correlation between the fatty acid composition of aquaculture fish and human health presents numerous interdisciplinary research opportunities. Studies have shown that fish with higher levels of n-3 PUFAs, particularly DHA and EPA, are beneficial for cardiovascular health and other clinical conditions. However, variations in fatty acid profiles among different fish species and environmental factors necessitate a comprehensive analysis of the nutritional status of aquaculture fish (Rodrigues et al., 2017; Gladyshev et al., 2017; Zhang et al., 2020). Collaborative research involving nutritionists, aquaculture scientists, and health professionals can provide valuable insights into optimizing fish diets to enhance their health benefits for human consumption. Additionally, investigating the ecological and phylogenetic drivers of fatty acid composition in fish can further our understanding of how to improve the nutritional quality of aquaculture products (Zhang et al., 2014; Gladyshev et al., 2017). By addressing these emerging trends, technological innovations, and interdisciplinary research opportunities, future studies can significantly contribute to the advancement of aquaculture nutrition and the enhancement of the health benefits of aquaculture fish for human consumption. 8 Concluding Remarks The research on the correlation between the fatty acid composition of aquaculture fish and human health has yielded several significant findings. It has been established that both marine and freshwater fish are valuable sources of essential fatty acids, particularly n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids are crucial for human health, offering benefits such as cardiovascular disease prevention and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the fatty acid composition of fish can vary significantly based on their diet and environmental factors. For instance, fish from the Pearl River Estuary were found to have higher proportions of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and lower contents of PUFAs, likely due to changes in their diet over the past decades. Similarly, the
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