Comparative Analysis of Nutritional Components of Wild Sea Cucumbers in Different Sea Areas

In order to provide reference for the comprehensive development and utilization, the nutritional function components of wild sea cucumbers in different sea areas were explored. This study comprehensively analyzed the nutritional composition of four wild sea cucumber species: Stichopus horrens, Stichopus chloronotus, Holothuria mammata, and Cucumaria frondosa. The basic nutritional composition, amino acid, fatty acid, and mineral element contents of the four sea cucumbers species were analyzed and evaluated. The results showed that the four species had high protein and low fat in common. Holothuria mammata exhibited the highest protein and lowest fat content. Stichopus chloronotus was rich in polysaccharides and ash content, while Cucumaria frondosa had notable saponin content. Each of the four sea cucumber types contained a consistent array of 17 amino acids, boasting substantial quantities of both delectable and medicinal amino acids. The essential amino acids accounted for a range of 13.78% to 20.27%, with Cucumaria frondosa displayed the most elevated content. Through the assessment of amino acid scores (AAS) and chemical scores (CS), lysine emerges was the predominant limiting amino acid across all four sea cucumber species. In terms of fatty acid composition, all species exhibited a spectrum of saturated fatty acids (SFA) within total fatty acids, with content varying from 23.84% to 36.24%. Palmitic acid (C16:0) and stearic acid (C18:0) constituted the primary components of this SFA makeup. Notably, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content ranged from 56.39% to 72.93%, with Cucumaria frondosa displayed the highest proportion. Among the major elements, calcium (Ca) content was relatively higher in all four samples, except for Holothuria mammata. Among the trace elements, the highest content was iron (Fe). This comparative analysis showed that wild sea cucumbers in different sea areas were rich in various nutrients that the human body needs, and had different edible values and development utilization.