Indigenous Small Fish as a Source of Bioactive Compounds to Combat Malnutrition

Malnutrition has become a matter of serious concern globally leading to several health-related issues, especially in developing and under-developed countries. Food insecurity fuelled by the poor accessibility and availability of well-balanced nutrient sources is often suggested as one of the important reasons contributing to malnutrition. Among the different strategies to combat malnutrition, fortification remains one of the easiest, affordable, and easy-to-implement plans of action. However, choosing the right source in terms of nutrient composition, affordability, bioavailability, and food delivery vehicle remains an important prerequisite for food fortification. Being an affordable dietary source rich in essential nutrients, proposing fish and fish-based/extracted bioactive compounds can be considered as a sustainable solution to address malnutrition. The nutrient richness of fish especially, in terms of the protein content, unique amino acid composition, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals, fat-soluble vitamins, etc. has been well established and widely documented. The significance of fish as an important source to address malnutrition and its fortification strategies is discussed in detail in the book chapter.