Amino Acid Profile and Mineral Content Variations in Gastropod Species (Archachatina marginata, Achatina achatina, Tympanotanus fuscatus, and Pachymelania aurita): Implications for Dietary Enrichment

The global population surge increases the demand for daily protein requirements, emphasizing the need for cost-effective and readily available protein sources. The study investigated the amino acid, proximate, and mineral compositions of meat powders from four gastropod species (Archachatina marginata, Achatina achatina, Tympanotanus fuscatus, and Pachymelania aurita) procured from Offiong Market in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The samples were removed from their shells, and washed with deionized water and dilute acid. The meats were then dried at 65 – 70°C for 24 hours, ground into fine powder, and sieved to achieve uniformity in particle size. Amino acid, proximate, and mineral analyses were conducted. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in amino acid, proximate, and mineral compositions among the meat powders of the studied gastropod species. Most essential amino acids such as Leucine, histidine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, threonine, methionine, lysine, and valine were present. Proximate analysis revealed high protein and carbohydrate, and low fat and fibre contents among the gastropod species. Mineral analysis indicated high levels of Ca, P, Mg, K, and N, while Zn and Fe were significantly low across all species. The high protein and low fat and fiber contents suggest that gastropod meat powder could be used as additives for food fortification to meet the global demand for protein.