for the synthesis of resolvins, which are believed to play a key role in terminating inflammatory processes [Kohli & Levy, 2009]; moreover, they have benefi cial effects on other diseases, namely skin disease, asthma, arthritis, nephritis, lupus erythematous, multiple sclerosis, and certain types of cancers [Harris, 2010; Massaro et al., 2010]. PUFAs are infl uenced by taxonomic relations and environmental conditions and depend on species, nutrient habits, food availability and physiological conditions, so they differ for molluscs species that come from different geographical areas [Orban et al., 2007]. Minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc and copper, are essential substances for organisms and for their vital functions and growth. In fact, minerals are important components of hormones and enzymes activated in human nutrition [Khan, 1992], and are involved in physiological processes in the body, the most important of which are pH maintenance, osmotic pressure, nerve conductance, muscle contraction and energy production. Zinc, for example, has different important biochemical functions, in particular as cofactor to more than 300 enzymes involved in DNA and RNA metabolism and stabilization of cell membranes [Beyersmann, 2002; Rink & Gabriel, 2000]. Unsuited dietary intakes of the minerals Ca, Mg, Na and K, either insuffi cient or excessive, can cause serious health issues such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and hypertension. In general, the seafoods are excellent sources of Ca, K, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu and in particular, oysters are good sources of Fe, Zn, and Cu.
