Consumers recognise there are more health benefits to be gained from eating fish and seafood compared with taking fish oil supplements, according to a recent survey in the United States.
The online survey of 1,029 adults, conducted by Cargill Animal Nutrition, found that whilst one-third (33%) of US households take fish oil supplements, more respondents (90%) associate health benefits with fish and seafood over fish oil supplements (82%). The top three benefits respondents associate with seafood consumption are heart health (60%), low fat (49%) and brain health (41%).
Recent research shows consumer perception to be correct: eating whole fish is more nutritious than consuming a fish oil supplement. Studies show that adding fish oil alone to the diet does not necessarily improve cardiovascular disease risk or cognitive health, possibly attributable to the fact that healthy oils from fish are more readily absorbed than those in supplements.
"Fish is clearly an important source of healthy protein and it's encouraging that consumers know the real benefits of eating seafood," said Einar Wathne, president of Cargill Aqua Nutrition, a sister organisation to Cargill Animal Nutrition.
"We are anticipating that further advances in aquaculture nutrition will ensure that fish and seafood are going to play a significant role in satisfying the world's protein needs and in providing health and nutrition benefits to a growing population in the years ahead," he added.
Results of the survey are in line with industry data that suggests the demand for fish is growing, driven by an increasing and more affluent global population that understands the health benefits of eating seafood. Worldwide seafood demand is expected to increase by 70% by 2050.
