Proximate Chemical Composition, Fatty Acid Profile, and Amino Acid Content of Tridacna maxima (Röding, 1798) Inhabiting Egyptian Coast of the Red Sea

Marine yield such as fishes, echinodermates, crustacean, oyster among others are a huge source of protein rich in essential amino acids (EAA). Additionally, a significant amount of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFA and PUFA, respectively) are present in those yields, which may help enhance lipid profiles and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The present study determined the biochemical composition of Tridacna maxima collected from Hurghada site on the Egyptian coast of the Red Sea. Crude protein, fat, and ash contents in mantle and adductor muscles of the T. maxima ranged from 69.56-72.65%, 4.12 - 4.95%, and 16.55 - 9.68% (% dry weight), respectively. Total phenolic content of T. maxima in aqueous, ethanol and methanol extracts were 40.11, 42.1, and 47.1mg GAE/ g, respectively. While, flavonoid total contents for T. maxima in water (70% ethanol, and 70% methanol extracts) were 4.9, 6.1, and 7.2 mg Qu/ g), respectively. Total saturated fatty acids (SFA) were higher than total MUFA and PUFA, accounting for 50.849 –33.91% and 15.24%, respectively. The non- essential amino acids were higher than EAA (59.25 and 35.98%, respectively). The major non-EAA and EAA in T. maxima were glutamic acid and leucine (18.57 and 6.76%, respectively). Therefore, T. maxima serves as a valuable source of multiple nutrients that have the potential to promote consumer health.