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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.
Kruse et al. (Fri,) studied this question.