Mineral profiling and nutritional quality evaluation of aquatic products from Guangxi (China) by ICP‑MS and multivariate analysis

This study aimed to evaluate ten essential minerals - sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) - in 35 aquatic products from Guangxi using ICP-MS following microwave-assisted digestion, and to assess their nutritional profiles through chemometric and INQ approaches. Method validation showed linearity (r >0.999), limits of detection (LODs) of 0.002-6.3 mg kg -1 , and accuracy against two certified reference materials with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 0.92%-11.7%. Finfish were broadly abundant in P and Ca, with Ca peaking in whole-eaten freshwater fish. Mollusks showed higher Fe and Zn than most finfish. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) separated finfish from invertebrates enriched in Na, Mg, Fe, and Cu, and distinguished samples along a Ca-P axis. Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ) evaluation suggested high P and Se density across species, while bivalves and small fish may be prioritized to improve dietary Ca, Zn, and Fe supply. Elevated Na density in cephalopods and high Cu density in crustaceans highlight the need for species-specific dietary choices. This integrated assessment of western Chinese aquatic products provides evidence-based data for precision nutrition, though future speciation studies remain warranted. • INQ metrics pinpoint species to combat regional hidden hunger. • Mineral profiles strictly follow taxonomic groups and chemical axes. • Findings balance mineral intake and sodium risks in cephalopods.