Bellamya Bengalensis (Edible Gastropod) Powder: Analysis Of Amino Acid And Fatty Acid Composition

Abstract

Bellamya bengalensis, a widely consumed freshwater snail in Asia and Africa, is known for its nutritional and medicinal properties. This study aimed to analyze the amino acid and fatty acid profiles of Bellamya bengalensis powder to elucidate its potential health benefits and nutritional contribution. The sample was collected, processed, and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for amino acid composition and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for fatty acid content. The results revealed high concentrations of essential amino acids, including lysine (6.2 g/100g), leucine (7.5 g/100g), and valine (5.8 g/100g), as well as non-essential amino acids, such as glutamic acid (10.3 g/100g) and aspartic acid (8.9 g/100g). The presence of these amino acids highlights the sample's potential to support muscle health, protein synthesis, cognitive function, and immune health. The fatty acid profile showed a balanced composition of saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), with notable levels of stearic acid (18.5%), palmitic acid (22.3%), oleic acid (21.1%), linoleic acid (10.2%), and alpha-linolenic acid (5.8%). The high percentage of oleic acid, a key component of the Mediterranean diet, suggests potential benefits for heart health. The findings demonstrate that Bellamya bengalensis powder is a comprehensive source of essential nutrients and can contribute to a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.