title: Seasonal and geographical variations in the biochemical composition of the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis L.) from Ireland.
abstract: Blue mussel (Mytilus edulis L.) farming constitutes the largest volume of the shellfish sector in Ireland. Recently, interest in mussel dietary supplements and functional foods has increased significantly. To identify the optimal harvesting time and location in Ireland, blue mussels were investigated for their biochemical composition over a period of one year. The study included samples from aquaculture facilities, wild grown mussels and waste material. Each sample was analysed at four time points to determine the total content of (i) glycogen, (ii) lipids, (iii) proteins, (iv) inorganic substances, and (v) energy. Moreover, fatty acid profiles were investigated by GC-FID revealing high contents of PUFAs and a high ω-3/ω-6 ratio. Compared to less pronounced geographical variations, distinct seasonal trends could be observed for all samples. The content of the investigated metabolite classes, inorganic substances, and energy was at a maximum level in spring or late summer.
authors: School of Chemistry, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.
authors: Ayoa
authors: A
authors: Fernández
authors: School of Chemistry, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.
authors: Ulrike
authors: U
authors: Grienke
authors: Irish Seaweed Research Group, Ryan Institute for Environmental, Marine and Energy Research, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Soler-Vila
authors: Botany and Plant Science, School of Natural Sciences, Ryan Institute for Environmental, Marine and Energy Research, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.
authors: Freddy
authors: F
authors: Guihéneuf
authors: Botany and Plant Science, School of Natural Sciences, Ryan Institute for Environmental, Marine and Energy Research, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.
authors: Dagmar B
authors: DB
authors: Stengel
authors: School of Chemistry, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland. Electronic address: dtasdemir@geomar.de.
authors: Deniz
authors: D
authors: Tasdemir
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000032:analysis; D005843:Geography; D007494:Ireland; D049880:Mytilus edulis / Q000737:chemistry*; D012621:Seasons
chemical_list: D005227:Fatty Acids
keywords: Aquaculture; Biochemical composition; Blue mussel; Geographic variations; Mytilus edulis; PUFAs; Seasonal variations