Dietary Ascorbic Acid Requirement for Growth and Health in Fish

ABSTRACT

Most fish lack the ability to biosynthesize ascorbic acid (AA) or, if they have the capability to synthesize the vitamin, the quantity produced is insufficient to meet metabolic needs. Thus AA must be provided in the diet. Since it is an essential dietary component that functions in numerous metabolic processes, considerable research has been conducted concerning the role of AA in the nutrition of fish. Literature pertaining to AA in fish nutrition and its relationship with fish health are examined herein. Topics addressed include deficiency signs, dietary requirement, effect on reproduction, immune response and disease resistance, stress response, tissue storage, assessment of status, stability during feed manufacture and storage, bioavailability, and supplementation.

Key Words:

• Ascorbic acid
• requirement
• immune response
• diet