Advanced lipid analysis of Ciona intestinalis: exploring its potential as a sustainable and healthy food source

The growing demand for sustainable food sources has prompted the exploration of alternative marine resources. This study investigated the fatty acid profiles of cultivated Ciona intestinalis, a tunicate species with commercial potential. Three sample types were analysed; unprocessed whole tunicate (UWT), industrially pressed tunicate (PT), and pressed and heat-treated tunicate (PHT). Lipid content ranged from 1.74% to 2.91% of ash-free dry weight, with omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) making up approximately 50% of total fatty acids. The proportions of EPA in the UWT, PT and PHT samples were 27.13%, 30.43% and 29.28%, respectively, while the corresponding DHA contents were 26.66%, 20.34% and 18.81%. All samples exhibited low n-6/n-3 ratios (0.11-0.16) and favourable atherogenicity (0.16-0.21) and thrombogenicity indices (0.06-0.08). The similarity in profiles across samples suggests high compositional stability, highlighting C. intestinalis as a nutritionally rich and suitable marine food and feed resource.