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The study aimed to address the pervasive issue of inadequate nutrition in Bangladesh by analyzing eight distinct fish species, a pivotal step toward developing fish powder as a promising dietary supplement for nutritional enhancement. Samples from the Mathabhanga River in Chuadanga were rigorously processed and oven-dried to assess their nutritional properties, focusing on proximate composition, mineral content, and amino acid profile. Among the studied fish species, C. reba demonstrated the highest energy content (198.56 Kcal/100 g, p < 0.001), with notably elevated crude protein content (16.99 g/100 g, p < 0.001) compared to all except N. notopterus. The mineral composition order in fish powders was Ca > P > Fe > Na > Mg. Leucine emerged as the predominant essential amino acid (EAA) (6.84 to 32.15 mg/g, p < 0.001) among the species. O. pabo exhibited notably higher total EAA (∑EAA) levels (124.30 mg/g, p < 0.05) compared to other species. P. ticto showed a significantly higher ratio of total essential and non-essential amino acid content (∑EAA/∑NEAA) (0.41, p < 0.05) compared to other species. These findings underscored the nutritional value of the studied fish species, advocating their utilization as a dietary supplement to address malnutrition in Bangladesh. more...

Since the nutritional makeup of many plants is still unknown, people have historically included them in their diets without even being aware of their health advantages. Therefore, the present study aimed to uncover the proximate composition, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and fatty acids composition of two locally consumed vegetables, namely Boerhavia diffusa and Coccinia grandis. From the analysis, these vegetables had a significant protein, fat, and carbohydrate content. Regarding mineral contents, both plants had a great amount of potassium, calcium, iron, sodium, and zinc. These vegetables had a remarkable content of vitamins such as B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and C. The leaves of both plants had important essential amino acids such as leucine, lysine, and phenylalanine, as well as non-essential amino acids. Unsaturated fatty acids such as linolenic acid, linoleic acid, and erucic acid were more prominent in Coccinia grandis than Boerhavia diffusa. In addition, both plants had a significant amount of saturated fatty acids such as palmitic acid, stearic acid, and lauric acid. Thus, it can be concluded that these two vegetables have magnificent profiles of nutrients which could make them as important sources of minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids. more...

This study was conducted to evaluate the quality features, antioxidant capabilities, microbiological and sensory aspects of yogurt fortified with 2%, 5%, and 7% red dragon (RD) peel powder. The yogurt was formulated using the classical technology adapted to laboratory conditions. The results of the physicochemical properties showed significant differences in pH (4.73–4.36), acidity (0.18–0.16 g lactic acid/100 g), and ascorbic acid (1.17-1.34 mg/100 g) among different yogurt formulations (P more...

Edible crabs of different species are well-known as rich sources of protein and minerals. The present study evaluated the nutritional profile of Portunus pelagicus and Portunus sanguinolentus crabs collected from the coastal Cox’s Bazar district of Bangladesh. The meat and shell parts of both male and female crabs were analyzed for moisture, protein, fat and ash/minerals. The meats contain significantly higher amount of protein (12.72-19.25%), fat (2.78-4.06%), moisture (74.71-79.81%) and lower amount of ash (1.06-2.01%) compared to the shells (0.94-1.55% protein, 0.87-1.33% fat, 47.59-51.01% moisture and 20.99-24.48% ash). Among the minerals, calcium, iron and phosphorus are significantly higher in the shells (6567.11-9463.03 mg/100g, 10.36-31.72 mg/100g and 97.76-127.67 mg/100g, respectively) than in the meats (23.33-233.09 mg/100g, 4.22-8.34 mg/100g and 51.88-63.28 mg/100g, respectively). The findings of the present study suggest that the meat and shell of these crabs could be considered for consumption as excellent sources of protein and minerals essential for infants, young children, adults, pregnant and lactating women. more...

Heteropneustes fossilis (Shing) and Otolithoides pama (Poa) fish bones were chosen as the waste source of photocatalysts which are found in the confined water and the Sea. The bones of these fish are composed of calcium phosphate hydroxide (CPH) which is composed of phosphate and hydroxyl groups and these groups are effective for the photocatalytic activity. The fish bones are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Optical bandgap, Particle size analyzer, etc. Crystallographic information was evaluated using the XRD data focusing on the crystallinity index, lattice parameters, microstrain, crystallite size, dislocation density, degree of crystallinity, β-TCP percentage, HAp percentage, volume fraction of β-TCP, specific surface area, relative intensity, and preference growth. The crystallite size of the natural bones was estimated from the XRD data engaging a number of model equations. Photocatalytic activity of the Shing and Poa fish bones was evaluated by degrading Congo Red dye varying different reaction parameters such as pH, interaction time, catalyst dose, and dye concentration. more...

Spices are common flavoring ingredients used in the preparation of culinary items and food products. Spices, unlike other components of food, are considered non-nutritive elements and they do not have to meet rigid nutritional quality standards. Therefore, the present study focused on the investigation of proximate contents, minerals, phytochemical components, and antioxidant activity of 9 indigenous spices (cardamom, clove, cinnamon, red chili, black pepper, cumin, coriander, fennel seed, and ginger) consumed in Bangladesh. A range of proximate compositions of spices including protein (2.70–15.44%), fat (4.33–19.04%), fiber (4.70–9.37%), ash (2.25–9.16%), moisture (5.34–10.48%), carbohydrate (50.15–75.87%), and energy (322.36–422.68 kcal/100g) were recorded. They contained a considerable amount of sodium (15.72–111.13 mg/100g), potassium (17.35–1452.86 mg/100g), calcium (7.37–481.54 mg/100g), and manganese (17.64–4615.33 mg/100g). Spices in water and ethanol had a significant content of total phenols (6.24–139.32 mg gallic acid equivalent/g), flavonoids (2.87–89.60 mg quercetin equivalent/g), and antioxidant capacity (8.94–86.50 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g). Different extents of DPPH radical scavenging activity (2.62–94.16% by 100 ppm of extract) among them were reported. The content of total carotene ranged from 0.02 to 1.27 mg/g. Moreover, correlation and principal component analysis provide evidence that polyphenolic compounds are responsible for their potent antioxidant properties. Thus, these findings will be helpful by proving a baseline for spices towards being an essential ingredient of nutraceuticals as well as enhancing their consumption and production. more...

The bones of two fish species, Oreochromis niloticus and Katsuwonus pelamis, were chosen in this research for evaluating their photocatalytic efficacy under solar radiation. The fish bones were isolated and conditioned before analyzing crystallographic parameters. The samples were characterized by using different instrumental techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Field Emission Scanning Electronic Microscopy (FESEM), and optical bandgap. From the XRD data, various types of crystallographic information such as crystallite size, microstrain, lattice parameters, dislocation density, degree of crystallinity, crystallinity index, Hydroxylapatite (HAp), the volume fraction of β-TCP, β-Tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) percentage, and specific surface area were evaluated. Different model equations such as the Sahadat-Scherrer model, Linear Straight-line model, Monshi–Scherrer's method, and Williamson–Hall plot were employed to justify the nano-crystallite size. The photocatalytic efficacy of the two types of samples was explored by changing the catalyst concentration, dye concentration, interaction time, pH of the solution, etc. under solar irradiation. more...

Aquaculture recently gained importance due to rising protein consumption and sustainable fisheries production. Any fish farm needs affordable, environmentally friendly feed to maximize profit. Bangladesh imports fish feed materials from neighboring countries at a considerable cost. Therefore, the present research aims to investigate the nutritive value of local organic resources and to evaluate their usage as feedstuffs thus reducing operational costs for Anabas testudineus (Thai koi) farming. The selected nineteen raw materials were subjected to proximate and minerals (Na, P, K, Ca, Fe) content analyses. The results revealed that each ingredient analyzed contains a substantial amount of protein (ranging from 6.07 to 58.76%). The recorded crude fat, moisture, ash, crude fiber, carbohydrate, and energy contents varied within a range of 0.46–14.78%, 1.40–9.95%, 1.19–81.50%, 0–41.77%, 5.33–71.17%, and 58.77–399.81 kcal/100g respectively. The ingredients also contain an appreciable amount of potassium (78.64–3718.32 mg/100g), calcium (1.20–37175.41 mg/100g), and phosphorous (7.92–258.97 mg/100g). The results demonstrate that the analyzed indigenous raw materials were high in nutritional value and mineral contents and thus could be used as potential substitute compositions for Thai koi feed formulation. more...