The concentrations of ten elements (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Hg, Cu, Mn, and Cd) and fatty acids were analyzed in muscles of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla Linnaeus, 1758). The eels were caught in freshwater lakes connected with the Sawica River (north-eastern Poland). On this basis, it was determined whether the consumption of the fish is beneficial and safe for the health of the consumer. The results showed that the metal concentrations followed this order: K > Na > Ca > Mg > Zn > Fe > Hg > Cu > Mn > Cd. The fatty acids gave rise to the following sequence: MUFAs > SFAs > n-3 PUFAs > n-6 PUFAs. The target hazard quotient (THQ) value was below 1.0. The hazard quotient for the benefit-risk ratio HQEFA (0.39) also was below one, indicating that the intake of the recommended dose of EPA + DHA (250 mg/day) and the intake of mercury (0.415 mg/kg) for a person weighing 70 kg does not pose an obvious risk for human health. The lipid quality indices were OFA: 24.69, DFA: 74.36, AI: 0.55, and TI: 0.41. Based on the above statements, the consumption of eel meat is safe from a health point of view. However, the levels of toxic metals in the muscles of eels and their environment should continue to be monitored, as eels occupy a high position in the food chain.
Keywords: MPI; THQ; benefit–risk ratio; heavy metals; mineral component; quality indices; ratio FA:Hg.