Human Health Implications of Major Nutrients and Trace Elements in Marine-Dried Fishes Collected from Renowned Marketplaces of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

Background Different marketplaces of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, are renowned for various types of marine-dried fish. The present study was undertaken to assess the contribution of marine-dried fish to human nutrition and the health risks associated with potentially toxic trace elements induced by their consumption. Methodology Sixteen marine-dried fish samples were collected in triplicate from different vendors at three renowned marketplaces in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Following digestion with a diacid mixture, the resulting aqueous extract was used to measure major nutrients (N, Ca, Mg, P, and S) and trace elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni). Results This study revealed that the contents of both major and trace elements differed significantly (p < 0.001) among the marine-dried fish species. Specifically, the contents of N, Ca, Mg, P, and S in marine-dried fishes ranged from 3.29-10.75%, 0.32-2.73%, 0.29-3.89%, 0.13-1.03%, and 0.21-1.88% (w/w), respectively. The concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cd, and Cr varied from 26.55-414.95, 9.60-56.55, below the detectable limit (bdl)-20.60, bdl-9.20, 0.43-0.96, and bdl-36.30 µg g⁻¹, respectively, while the contents of Pb and Ni were below the detectable limit in all samples. Turning to dietary intake, marine-dried fish provided 12% and 15% excess Mg for males and females, respectively, alongside 36% Ca, 23% P, and 45% S for adults of the total recommended dietary allowances (RDA). Furthermore, it supplied 29% Fe and 4.1% Cu for adults, as well as 6.8% and 9.4% Zn, and 1.3% and 1.7% Mn of the required RDA for males and females, respectively. For safety assessment, the calculated hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values for trace elements were below 1.0, indicating safety with respect to non-carcinogenic risks. However, the incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCR) for Cd and Cr exceeded safe thresholds in 100% and 50% of samples, respectively, indicating a potential carcinogenic risk to consumers. Conclusion The study demonstrates that while marine-dried fish provide essential major and trace nutrients, the population's intake remains inadequate, except for Mg. The study also urges prompt identification of toxic metal sources and implementation of strict safety measures.