Mineral Content and Amino Acid Profile of Magur Fish (Clarias batrachus) from Bihar: A Nutritional Assessment

The Magur fish ( Clarias batrachus ), a staple in the diet of many communities in Bihar, is renowned for its nutritional benefits. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the mineral content and amino acid profile of Magur fish to provide an in-depth nutritional assessment, thereby highlighting its value in human nutrition and potential applications in food science. The primary objective of this research was to determine the concentration of essential minerals and the complete amino acid profile of Magur fish sourced from Bihar, and to evaluate their nutritional significance and potential health benefits. Fresh samples of Magur fish were collected from local markets in Bihar. The mineral content, including calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and selenium, was quantified using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The amino acid profile was determined using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The results were compared with standard nutritional requirements to assess the fish's potential in addressing dietary deficiencies. The analysis revealed that Magur fish is a rich source of essential minerals. Calcium content was found to be 120 mg/100g, potassium 320 mg/100g, magnesium 45 mg/100g, iron 5 mg/100g, zinc 2.5 mg/100g, and selenium 35 µg/100g. The amino acid profile showed high levels of essential amino acids such as lysine (8.5 g/100g protein), leucine (7.2 g/100g protein), and valine (5.6 g/100g protein). The non-essential amino acids


INTRODUCTION
Fish have long been recognized as a crucial component of human diets due to their high nutritional value.They are an excellent source of essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, which contribute significantly to human health.Among various fish species, the Magur fish (Clarias batrachus), also known as the walking catfish, holds particular importance due to its adaptability to diverse environments and its rich nutritional profile.This research manuscript aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the mineral content and amino acid profile of Magur fish from Bihar, elucidating its potential as a nutritional resource.

Research Area and Location
The study was conducted in Bihar, a state in eastern India known for its vast aquatic biodiversity and extensive fish farming practices.Bihar's numerous rivers, ponds, and water bodies create an ideal environment for aquaculture, making it a significant contributor to the fishery sector in India.The Magur fish is widely cultivated in this region due to its hardy nature and high market demand.Understanding the nutritional composition of Magur fish from this locale is essential for promoting its consumption and enhancing its market value.

Reason for Choosing the Research
The selection of Magur fish for this research stems from several key factors.Firstly, Magur fish is a staple in the diet of many communities in Bihar and other parts of India.Despite its popularity, there is a paucity of comprehensive nutritional data specific to this region, which is crucial for dietary recommendations and food security planning.Secondly, the fish's ability to thrive in low-oxygen environments and resist harsh conditions makes it a reliable source of nutrition, especially in rural and economically challenged areas where food resources can be limited.Lastly, the rising interest in healthconscious eating and the demand for nutrient-rich foods underscore the need to explore the nutritional potential of local fish species like Magur.

Rationale of the Research
The primary rationale behind this research is to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the nutritional profile of Magur fish from Bihar.By analyzing its mineral content and amino acid profile, the study aims to: 1. Provide Accurate Nutritional Data: Generate precise and reliable data on the essential minerals and amino acids present in Magur fish, which can inform dietary guidelines and enhance public health nutrition strategies.2. Promote Local Aquaculture: Highlight the nutritional benefits of Magur fish to encourage its cultivation and consumption, thereby supporting local aquaculture industries and boosting the regional economy.3. Support Food Security: Offer insights into how Magur fish can be a sustainable and nutritious food source, contributing to food security initiatives, particularly in resource-limited settings.
4. Enhance Scientific Understanding: Contribute to the broader scientific understanding of the nutritional composition of freshwater fish species, facilitating comparative studies and potential improvements in fish farming practices.

Outcomes of the Research
The outcomes of this research are anticipated to have significant implications for nutrition science, public health, and aquaculture practices.In conclusion, this research manuscript presents a thorough nutritional assessment of Magur fish (Clarias batrachus) from Bihar, offering valuable data and insights that can enhance the understanding, consumption, and cultivation of this important fish species.By highlighting its rich mineral content and beneficial amino acid profile, the study underscores the potential of Magur fish to contribute to improved nutrition, food security, and economic development in the region.

LITERATURE REVIEW
The nutritional composition of fish has been extensively studied due to its significance in human diets.Fish are known to be rich sources of high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, contributing significantly to nutritional security and human health (Beveridge et al., 2013).The Magur fish (Clarias batrachus), commonly known as the walking catfish, is widely distributed in Southeast Asia and is particularly valued for its resilience and nutritional benefits (Borgohain et al., 2018).

Mineral Content in Fish
Minerals are vital for various physiological functions in the human body, including enzyme function, bone formation, and oxygen transport.Studies on the mineral content of various fish species have revealed significant levels of essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and zinc (Lall, 2002).For instance, calcium and phosphorus are crucial for bone health, while iron plays a key role in oxygen transport and immune function (Lall, 2002).The mineral composition of fish can vary significantly based on species, habitat, and diet (Fawole et al., 2007).Research specifically focusing on the mineral content of Clarias batrachus has shown it to be a rich source of essential minerals, making it a valuable dietary component (Yeganeh et al., 2012).In a study conducted by Khan and Mukhopadhyay (2009), the mineral profile of Clarias batrachus from different water bodies in India was analyzed, revealing significant levels of calcium, magnesium, and iron.This highlights the importance of regional studies to understand the variations in mineral content influenced by local environmental conditions (Khan and Mukhopadhyay, 2009).Amino Acid Profile in Fish Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues.Fish proteins are particularly valued for their high digestibility and balanced amino acid composition, which includes all essential amino acids required by humans (FAO, 2016).The amino acid profile of fish can influence its nutritional quality and its suitability for human consumption.Previous studies have indicated that Clarias batrachus possesses a favorable amino acid profile, with high levels of essential amino acids such as lysine, leucine, and valine (Adeyeye, 2009).A comparative study by Pal and Dey (2010) on the amino acid composition of different freshwater fish species in India identified Clarias batrachus as having one of the most balanced amino acid profiles, contributing to its high nutritional value.This makes it an excellent source of protein, particularly in regions where protein malnutrition is prevalent (Pal and Dey, 2010).

Regional Studies on Nutritional Composition
Regional studies are crucial for understanding the nutritional composition of fish, as environmental factors, water quality, and feeding practices can significantly influence nutrient levels.In Bihar, fish farming is a vital economic activity, and the Magur fish is a popular species due to its adaptability and market demand (Kumar et al., 2013).However, there is limited comprehensive data on the nutritional profile of Magur fish from this region.A study by Singh et al. (2015) on the nutritional composition of freshwater fish in Bihar highlighted the need for detailed assessments of local fish species to inform dietary recommendations and support aquaculture practices.The study emphasized the variability in nutrient content among different species and the influence of local environmental conditions on these variations (Singh et al., 2015).

Importance of Current Study
The current study aims to fill the gap in knowledge regarding the mineral content and amino acid profile of Magur fish (Clarias batrachus) from Bihar.By providing detailed and region-specific nutritional data, this research will contribute to a better understanding of the nutritional value of Magur fish and its potential role in improving dietary quality and food security in the region.Moreover, the findings of this study will support local aquaculture by promoting the nutritional benefits of Magur fish, encouraging its cultivation, and enhancing its market value.This aligns with the broader goals of sustainable development and food security, as outlined by international organizations such as the FAO (FAO, 2016).

Conclusion
In summary, the nutritional composition of fish, including essential minerals and amino acids, plays a critical role in human health and dietary quality.The Magur fish, with its rich nutrient profile, holds significant potential as a dietary resource, particularly in regions like Bihar where it is widely cultivated and consumed.This literature review underscores the importance of regional studies in understanding the nutritional value of local fish species and highlights the need for further research to inform public health and aquaculture practices.

MATERIALS & METHODS Study Area
The present investigation was conducted in the freshwater ecosystems of Bihar, India, known for its diverse aquatic fauna.Specifically, three distinct regions were selected to represent different ecological conditions: the Ganga River basin (Patna), the Kosi River basin (Supaul), and the northern plains (Darbhanga).These regions were chosen based on their varying hydrological characteristics, water quality parameters, and potential differences in fish species composition.Fish Sample Collection A total of 120 Magur fish (Clarias batrachus) specimens were collected during the monsoon season (July-August) when fish are generally in good nutritional condition.Thirty fish were procured from each of the selected regions.All fish were obtained from local fishermen using traditional fishing methods to ensure representative samples.Upon capture, fish were immediately placed in ice-packed containers and transported to the laboratory for further analysis.

Sample Preparation
At the laboratory, fish were euthanized using an overdose of MS-222, and edible muscle tissue was carefully dissected to exclude skin, bones, and internal organs.The muscle tissue was homogenized using a sterile blender under chilled conditions to prevent lipid oxidation.The homogenate was then lyophilized to obtain a dry powder for subsequent analysis.

Mineral Content Analysis
Sample digestion: Approximately 0.2 g of lyophilized fish muscle powder was digested with a mixture of concentrated nitric and perchloric acids (4:1 v/v) in a closed microwave digestion system.The temperature was gradually increased to 200°C and held for 15 minutes.After cooling, the digests were diluted to a final volume of 50 mL with deionized water.Mineral determination: The mineral content (calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium) was determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES).The instrument was calibrated using standard solutions prepared from certified reference materials.The mineral concentrations were expressed as milligrams per 100 grams of dry weight.

Amino Acid Profile Analysis Sample hydrolysis:
A known weight of lyophilized fish muscle powder was hydrolyzed with 6N hydrochloric acid containing phenol for 24 hours at 110°C under nitrogen atmosphere.The hydrolysate was then dried under vacuum and reconstituted in deionized water.Amino acid determination: The amino acid composition was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with pre-column derivatization with o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) and 9fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC).The amino acid standards were used for calibration, and the results were expressed as grams per 100 grams of protein.

Statistical Analysis
The obtained data on mineral content and amino acid profile were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis, including mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation.One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to compare the mineral and amino acid composition among the three study regions.

RESULT & DISCUSSION Mineral Content Analysis
The mineral composition of Magur fish (Clarias batrachus) collected from three distinct regions in Bihar, India, namely Patna, Supaul, and Darbhanga, is presented in Table 1 & Figure 1.The results indicate significant variations in the mineral content of Magur fish across the different regions (p<0.05).Fish from Supaul exhibited higher levels of calcium and zinc compared to those from Patna and Darbhanga.However, no significant differences were observed in the phosphorus, iron, copper, and magnesium content among the three regions.Figure 01: Mineral content (mg/100g dry weight) of Magur fish from different regions of Bihar These findings suggest that the mineral composition of Magur fish can be influenced by various environmental factors, including water quality, soil type, and dietary habits.The higher calcium and zinc content in fish from Supaul might be attributed to specific geological conditions or the availability of these minerals in the aquatic ecosystem.

Amino Acid Profile
The amino acid profile of Magur fish (Clarias batrachus) collected from three distinct regions in Bihar, India (Patna, Supaul, and Darbhanga), is presented in Table 2 & Figure 2. The amino acid composition was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).The results show that Magur fish from all three regions are a good source of essential amino acids, including lysine, leucine, and valine, which are important for human growth and development.Glutamic acid was the most abundant amino acid in all samples, followed by lysine and aspartic acid.These essential amino acids contribute significantly to the overall protein quality of Magur fish.The amino acid profile exhibited slight variations among the three regions.Fish from Supaul had the highest levels of glutamic acid, leucine, and arginine, while those from Patna had the highest content of lysine.These variations might be attributed to differences in the fish's diet, habitat conditions, and physiological factors.