Chemical composition, nutritive value and health benefits of edible clamMeretrix casta(Chemnitz) from West Coast of India

The present study was undertaken with a view to determine the nutraceutical value of the commonly consumed edible clam,Meretrix casta(Chemnitz), based on the identification of its organic chemical constituents particularly lipids and carbohydrates. Electrospray ionization tandem mass analysis of the bivalve indicated maltodextrins to be the major carbohydrate constituent. Triacylglycerols (TAGs) (0.88%, dry weight) were rich in C14:0, C16:0 to C18:0 (6-11%) saturated and monounsaturated palmitoleic (C16:1n9c; 11.76%) and oleic fatty acids (C18:1n9c; 14.53%). Though the clams contained PUFAs which are known to be beneficial in lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases, they were devoid of docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n3). Maltodextrins being less digestible than glucose beneficially affects the host by selectively stimulating the growth of gut microflora particularlyLactobacillusandBifidobacteria.These microflora inhibit colonization of pathogens by producing butyrate. The profile of sterols (1.67%, dry wt.) showed it to be a complex mixture of C26, C27, C29 and C30. To our knowledge no reports are available in the literature on the identification of maltodextrins and of positional distribution of PUFA's at thesn2position of TAGs inM. casta. The results of this study demonstrated the positive attributes of the bivalve for human consumption.

Automated summary

The study aimed to determine the nutraceutical value of edible clams, Meretrix casta, and found that maltodextrins were the major carbohydrate constituents. The clams were rich in saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, but lacked docosahexaenoic acid. Maltodextrins were found to beneficially affect gut microflora and inhibit the colonization of pathogens.