Suckerfish contains protein and heavy metals
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The head of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Health Laboratory, dr. Budi Wibowo, stated that suckerfish contains around 19 grams of protein per 100 grams, as well as heavy metals, namely lead, which can have adverse effects on health.
This refers to the results of an examination conducted by the DKI Health Laboratory on samples of suckerfish from several points along the Ciliwung River some time ago.
“At every point where we took the fish, (all of them) contained lead with varying levels. The degree of contamination may also vary,” he said during a podcast on suckerfish from a health laboratory perspective, monitored in Jakarta on Friday.
Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can damage the nervous system, kidneys, and cardiovascular system. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that exposure to lead is linked to more than 1.5 million deaths worldwide in 2021, mainly due to cardiovascular problems.
“This heavy metal takes a long time to cause damage and so on. In other words, it’s corrosive, damaging our body’s organs. Not in a year, two years, perhaps five years, ten years. Only then will the effects of lead be felt,” Budi explained.
In addition to lead, he continued, suckerfish also contains carbohydrates at 9 grams per 100 grams or 9 percent.
However, considering the adverse effects of suckerfish on health, Budi advises the public to seek other sources of nutrition.
“There are many other affordable protein sources. Protein doesn’t have to be expensive; eggs have high protein. Goldfish also have high protein. Lead also has protein, so it doesn’t have to be suckerfish,” he said.
Budi added that, in principle, suckerfish does not contain natural toxins like butal fish, which contains toxins. When suckerfish live in a good habitat, it is likely that there will be no contamination in their bodies.
“For example, in America, in the Amazon River, where there is no contamination. Or perhaps in Japan. Japan has very good wastewater treatment processes. Raising suckerfish there, it is likely there will be no heavy metal contamination, bacterial contamination,” he said.
However, if the fish live in an environment with a lot of contamination, the fish will also become contaminated.