Assessment of nutritional value of seafood and policy implications
10.4163/jnh.2025.58.6.557
- Author:
Minji KIM
;
Won JANG
;
Sein KIM
;
Deukhoon Peter HAN
;
Yangha KIM
- Publication Type:Review
- From:Journal of Nutrition and Health
2025;58(6):557-570
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Korea has a special geographical advantage of being surrounded by the sea on 3 sides. This makes access to seafood much easier. Seafood, which includes fish, shellfish, and seaweed, is considered one of the most nutritionally balanced foods since it is a good source of highquality animal proteins, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant nutrients. Specifically, laver (well-known as K-GIM) has recently gained worldwide attention as the next superfood due to its nutritional value. Also, seafood could contribute to the development of sustainable food systems for future generations due to its lower environmental impact compared to livestock products. Recent studies conducted among Korean adults have shown that the consumption of seafood was effective in improving geriatric frailty, cardiovascular, mental, and sleep health. Findings of cross-sectional studies using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) and longitudinal cohort studies using data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) indicated that seafood consumption was associated with a significantly lower risk of the above-mentioned diseases.Various practical approaches are needed to stimulate the consumption of the seafood. These include scientific analysis of their health-promoting effects through nutritional research, strengthening accessibility to seafood products through food engineering and distribution technologies, establishing support systems for vulnerable populations through health policies, analyzing the motivation for seafood purchase through consumer behavior research, and restructuring the market through economic analysis in this field. It is believed that it is necessary to accumulate scientific data on the health benefits of seafood, develop policies for equal opportunities to promote health through seafood consumption, and develop strategies for implementing such policies.
