The most readily available sources of protein for humans are fish and fish products. The most affordable and available fish species are mackerel, which are found in markets across the globe and are used in a variety of regional cuisines. The present study was carried out to analyze the biochemical composition (wet weight basis) such as moisture, protein, fat ash, and carbohydrate in three mackerel fishes (Rastrelliger kanagurta, Scomberomorus guttatus, and Scomberomorus kuhlii) of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. The highest moisture (73.25%–73.76%) was found in S. kuhlii, whereas the highest protein content (18.19%–18.35%) was recorded in S. guttatus. Fat amount was recorded high in S. guttatus (7.10%–7.24%) compared to R. kanagurata and S. kuhlii. The maximum ash was found in S. guttatus, while the highest (2.81%–4.48%) carbohydrate contents were recorded in R. kanagurata. One-way ANOVA showed no significant differences in proximate composition in different fish species (p > 0.05). According to the current study, mackerel is an inexpensive protein source that is thought to be good for human health.

The use of curcumin in different food products is restricted due to its poor water solubility and chemical instability. In this context, to facilitate the incorporation of curcumin in food products and increase its protection against light, the study was aimed at developing spray-dried curcumin multilayered microcapsules stabilized by gelatin, gum arabic, and tannic acid, characterizing their thermophysical properties, and studying the antioxidant capacity of microencapsulated curcumin and storage under light conditions. Spray-dried curcumin multilayered microcapsules were prepared and characterized by particle size distribution, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and antioxidant capacity. The volume mean diameter D (4.3) of the microcapsules stabilized with one (gelatin), two (gelatin + gum arabic), and three (gelatin + gum arabic + tannic acid) layers was 106.44 (14.80), 22.83 (0.59), and 41.74 (2.30), respectively. The microcapsules exhibited a semi-spherical shell structure, and the governing forces between microcapsule components were electrostatic, hydrophobic, and hydrogen bonding interactions. The addition of wall materials increased the glass transition temperature (Tg), which allowed that two- and three-layered preserved the antioxidant capacity of curcumin under light conditions, holding great promise for this approach in the application to other lipophilic bioactive compounds.

Lutein is a widespread carotenoid in the world, which is characterized by remarkable antioxidant activity. The impact of lutein for the treatment of chronic inflammation disorders makes it an important supplement for the support of active human longevity. Lutein can inhibit the proinflammatory NF-kappaB pathway, Nox-enzyme and VEGF-related pathologies. Despite the lack of a provitamin activity, it is often denoted as “the eye vitamin”. The main aim of this mini-review is an analysis of possible mechanisms of lutein effects focusing on their superior antioxidative/“vitamin” role in human health and aquaculture/mariculture. Recent publications clearly demonstrate the ability of lutein to stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis in both neuronal and muscle cells. It stimulates the tissue respiration and, most likely, it explains the accelerated nervous system development in neonatal children treated with lutein and lutein benefits for aqua/mariculture. Comparisons of characteristics of natural lutein and natural/synthetic astaxanthin included in this review allow the evaluation of their beneficial potentials. One of the most important advantages of natural vs. artificial substances is associated with natural carotenoid esterification and secondary structures. A comparative study of natural lutein and astaxanthin generation techniques illustrates the need for the development of new methods for fast and massive natural carotenoid production. Thus, the optimization of natural lutein production in cultivated microalgae may be considered as an important option in the further development of the carotenoid industry. All the important updates mentioned above for natural lutein will be summarized in this review.

A balanced nutritional diet is very important to consume to maintain a good health specially, during ageing. Fruits, nuts, vegetables, and fish contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components which can reduce the age-related risk of having cognitive decline and other various neurodegenerative diseases, like AD, PD, etc. There are many studies that have shown the impacts of nutrition on health and disease. Here we focus on age-related complications and their management with diet. Specifically, we highlight the roles of micronutrients as well as macronutrients on the gut-brain axis and their impact on brain function during ageing. These analyses may have some therapeutic value and/or the management of the cognitive dis-functions during ageing.