Abstract
Seafood is considered by nutritionists to be a high source of omega 3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFAs) which are involved in prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the present study is firstly to detect the presence of organochlorine pesticides and heavy metals in some fresh seafood of Red Sea commonly used in KSA in relation to its contents. It was found that the fatty acids 18:2n-6, 18:3n-6, 18:3n-9 was statistically significantly higher in fresh samples than frozen (p < 0.05), smoked (p < 0.0 1) and canned fishes (p < 0.05), respectively. Total lipids and cholesterol content of canned and smoked fishes were significantly higher than fresh and frozen samples (p < 0.0 I, <0.05 and p < 0.01, <0.05). Vitamin D was found to be lower in frozen samples than fresh, smoked and canned (p < 0.05 for each). While vitamin A was higher in fresh and smoked as compared with frozen and canned samples. No organochlorine tested were detected in either fresh or processed samples (smoked, frozen and canned). Among the heavy metals, the highest lead level was detected in fresh and smoked samples as compared with frozen and canned samples. No correlation was found between organochlorine compounds in fish and the corresponding levels in fatty acids. We concluded that, all fishes are safe for uses but it is preferable to use fresh samples due to its high content of PUFA and low lead level.