Macro and trace elements in two populations of brown crab Cancer pagurus: Ecological and human health implications

Cancer pagurus is a widely appreciated crustacean in Southern European countries, where they have different market prices depending on the catching area and animal sex. Yet, the mineral composition of this species is still poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify the content of essential elements in edible tissues of specimens from the Scottish Coast and English Channel and to compare such values with the Dietary Reference Intakes. Crabs caught off Scottish Coast had higher Na, Cl, K, Cu, Zn and Se content, while specimens harvested in the English Channel showed higher Mn concentrations. Females were better sources of Cu, Zn and Se, whereas males had higher concentrations of Na, Cl, K, Ca and Mn. Hepatopancreas showed higher contents of most elements, except Mn, Zn and Se than muscle and gonads. These results are certainly related to the crabs’ physiological needs and the bioavailability of the elements in water and diet. In general, C. pagurus is an excellent source of macro (Na, Cl and Ca) and trace elements (Fe, Cu, Zn and Se) for human consumption. The present study highlights the importance to take into consideration all edible tissues of crustaceans to evaluate their nutritional quality given consumers’ habits.