Lipidic profiles of tissue and liver oil of burbot, Lota lota (L.)

Background. Burbot, Lota lota (L.), is a freshwater fish that is related to the marine family Gadidae. Its distribution is widespread in northern Canada. This species is not fished commercially at present. The high content of vitamin A and vitamin D in burbot liver oil was first reported in 1930. Since that time, there have been little or no research studies made on the nutritional components of burbot liver oil. The present study was aimed to assess the key nutritional components present in liver oil isolated from burbot caught in two northern Canadian lakes. Materials and Methods. Liver oil extracted from liver isolated from burbot caught in two northern Canadian lakes was tested for n-3 fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins. Thermal stability of the liver oil was also evaluated. Burbot tissue was also analyzed for comparison purposes. Results. The contents of n-3 fatty acids, vitamin A and vitamin D of burbot liver oil were found to be comparable to those of the (reference) cod liver oil. Vitamin K content was discovered to be surprisingly high in comparison to known leafy green vegetable food sources. Conclusion. Burbot liver oil could provide a single source of dietary supplement of n-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin K to meet the daily recommended nutritional allowances.