Assessment of Proximate and Mineral Composition of Dried Fish from Wholesale Markets in Tillabery Region

Dried fish is an important and affordable source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients in many developing countries. This study aimed to determine the proximate and mineral composition of dried fish samples using standard AOAC methods. The results revealed low moisture content (5.9-12.5%), indicating good storage stability, and appreciable levels of protein (14.3-18.6%), lipid (4.2-7.4%), ash (2.4-5.7%) and crude fibre (0.64-1.86%). Mineral analysis showed high concentrations of potassium (237.5-382.3 mg/100 g), Phosphorous (132.7-186.7 mg/100 g) and calcium (126.9-175.9 mg/100 g) while sodium (32.6-47.7 mg/100 g) and magnesium (44.5-82.5 mg/100 g) were recorded in moderate amounts. These findings demonstrate that dried fish is nutritionally rich, with low moisture content enhancing its shelf life, and high protein and mineral values reinforcing its role as an important dietary source for food security and nutrition.