Nutrients and anti-nutrients in small snails (Limicolaria aurora)

The proximate composition, toxic substances, mineral elements and amino acid compositions of fresh Limicolaria aurora were determined. The moisture content of the sample was 71.24g/100g (wet weight). Crude protein, crude fat, and ash contents were 51.0, 9.70 and 11.8 g/100 g DM (dry matter), respectively. Some anti-nutrients were also determined: total oxalate was 381 mg/100 g DM while hydrocyanic and tannic acids were 112 and 592 mg/100 g DM, respectively. Mineral element analysis showed that L. aurora is rich in sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. Among the essential amino acids assayed, the sulphur-containing amino acids with a chemical score of 46.0% appeared to be the most limiting when compared with the essential amino acid pattern of whole henʹs egg. The potential of L. aurora as a source of food nutrients is discussed.