Protein and amino acid profile of Ruditapes decussatus and Ruditapes philippinarum from Çanakkale Strait, Türkiye

Protein content was lowest in April 2018 and highest in May 2018 for Ruditapes decussatus (Linnaeus 1758), and was lowest in September 2017 and highest in December 2017 for Ruditapes philippinarum (Adams, Reeve 1850). Amino acid content is particularly important to determine such variations every month to develop consumption strategies for these species. Leucine was the most abundant amino acid in both species, followed by isoleucine, arginine, methionine, and serine. Leucine plays a critical role in protein synthesis and muscle repair. Leucine levels were consistently high throughout the year for both species, but the recommended optimal consumption periods are all months except September and April for R. philippinarum, and all months except spring for R. decussatus. Arginine is essential for children, and it has been shown to enhance growth hormone synthesis. Arginine concentrations were high in winter and spring for R. philippinarum and autumn for R. decussatus. Methionine levels were highest in spring for R. philippinarum, autumn for R. decussatus. The essential amino acid to non-essential amino acid ratio was >1 for both species throughout the year, indicating high protein quality.