Temporal variations in the nutrient content of Norwegian farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), 2005-2020

The changes in the feed of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo solar) towards a more plant-based diet affect the nutritional value of the fillets. By compiling the contents of a range of nutrients in 1108 samples of Norwegian farmed Atlantic salmon collected between 2005 and 2020, we found that the median contents of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have decreased by > 60%. However, farmed Atlantic salmon remains a considerable source of EPA and DHA, with one and two portions being sufficient to meet the weekly adequate intake of EPA and DHA for adults (175 g) and two-year-olds (80 g), respectively. Farmed Atlantic salmon also remains a considerable source of protein, selenium, vitamin B-12, and vitamin D-3. Together, we demonstrate that farmed Atlantic salmon can contribute substantially to the nutrient intake of the consumers. These data are important for the Norwegian food composition table and future risk-benefit assessments on fatty fish consumption.

Automated summary

The changes in the feed of farmed Atlantic salmon have affected the nutritional value of the fish, with a decrease of over 60% in the contents of EPA and DHA. However, farmed Atlantic salmon still remains an important source of EPA, DHA, protein, selenium, vitamin B-12, and vitamin D-3.