First comparison of selected fat-soluble vitamins of edible tissues of invasive Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) in the Oder estuary (Baltic Sea)

In Europe, Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) are invasive catadromous crustaceans that are increasingly prevalent and at the same time actively removed from the aquatic environment. In contrast, in Asia, the muscles, hepatopancreas, and gonads of these crustaceans are a traditional source of food with high nutritional value. A significant abundance of these crustaceans found in the southern Baltic Sea watershed, along with findings from previous studies on their nutritional value, indicate that the meat of these crabs could serve as an additional food source for both humans and animals, including in Europe. When evaluating the meat’s worth, vitamin content plays a crucial role, which remains unknown in individuals from invasive populations. The aim of this study was to assess the content of fat-soluble vitamins A, E, and D in the edible parts of male and female crabs during two migratory seasons: spring and autumn. The results showed that the average content of vitamins A, D, and E in the edible parts of Chinese mitten crabs was 0.226 ±0.143 ng∙mg−1, 0.844 ±0.683 ng∙mg−1, and 1.418 ±1.199 μg∙mg−1, respectively. Muscles exhibited the highest content of vitamins A and D, while the hepatopancreas contained the most vitamin E. Smaller differences in vitamin content were noted between the sex of the crabs and the seasons of migration. The results show that Chinese mitten crabs can be a valuable source of vitamins A, E, and D, opening potential opportunities for utilizing their meat in the food industry and as a dietary supplement.