Fatty acid profile of newly extruded embryos of brown crab (Cancer pagurus) and potential value of their lipids for human consumption

Embryos of marine organisms are used for human consumption. However, potential health benefits of crab embryos remain largely undressed. Cancer pagurus is the most consumed crab species in Europe, with the tight packing of embryos within the brooding chamber of females eventually affecting their nutritional value. This study showed that newly extruded embryos were rich in 20:5 n -3 (11.78 ± 3.36 µg mg -1 DW) and 22:6 n -3 (11.50 ± 3.29 µg mg -1 DW), exhibited a balanced Σ n-6/Σ n-3 ratio (0.25 ± 0.06) and suitable nutritional lipid indices for human diet, namely atherogenic index (0.34 ± 0.05), thrombogenic index (0.19 ± 0.04) and hypocholesterolemic /hypercholesterolemic index (2.80 ± 0.44). Moreover, the position of C. pagurus embryos within females’ brooding chamber did not influence their fatty acid (FA) profile or nutritional quality. Regardless of their position in the brooding chamber, newly extruded embryos displayed a similar FA profile, evidencing a uniform maternal investment in offspring. These findings highlight the potential of C. pagurus embryos as a functional gourmet seafood, which may enhance their market value.