New research from the University of Cambridge suggests that incorporating wild fish such as mackerel, anchovies, and herring into diets could enhance nutrient intake and support ocean sustainability.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have unveiled findings suggesting the benefits of integrating fish commonly used as feed for farmed salmon—such as mackerel, anchovies, and herring—into our diets to enhance nutrient intake. The study, published in Nature Food, indicates that these wild fish are rich in essential nutrients including calcium, B12, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are often diminished in the process of farming salmon.
Lead author Dr. David Willer highlighted that farmed salmon’s nutrient content is lower in comparison to the wild feed fish used in their diet. The research underscores the significance of incorporating a variety of wild fish into human diets not only for addressing nutrient deficiencies but also for contributing to ocean sustainability.
The study’s analysis presents a compelling case for the consumption of wild fish directly, emphasizing that a mere third of the current food-grade wild feed fish, if consumed directly, could maximize the nutrient intake obtained from the sea. This shift could not only improve individual health by providing a broader range of essential nutrients lost in farmed salmon but also hold implications for global nutritional deficiencies and environmental health.
Despite the nutritional benefits of wild fish like mackerel, anchovies, and herring, their consumption in the UK remains low. The researchers call for a dietary shift towards these nutrient-rich seafood options for both personal health benefits and the well-being of the planet.
