Nutritional Requirements and Metabolism of Pantothenic Acid in Aquatic Species
Summary
Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that functions primarily as the precursor of coenzyme A, a central cofactor in the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the formation of acetylcholine. In aquatic species, which cannot synthesise pantothenic acid de novo, dietary supply is critical to support energy metabolism, lipid synthesis and antioxidant defences. Deficiency manifests as reduced growth, impaired feed conversion, altered lipid and protein deposition, oxidative stress and compromised intestinal integrity. Optimal dietary pantothenic acid requirements vary with species, life stage and dietary lipid level, with many herbivorous and omnivorous fish demanding between 20 and 30 mg kg−1 of feed. Understanding the interplay between pantothenic acid intake, coenzyme A concentrations and gene expression of key enzymes informs the refinement of aquafeed formulations. With global aquaculture production continuing to expand, precise vitamin requirements underpin sustainable intensification, improved fish health and enhanced nutritional quality of seafood.
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Nutritional Requirements and Metabolism of Pantothenic Acid in Aquatic Species publication trend
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Technical terms
Pantothenic acid: A water-soluble B vitamin that serves as the precursor of coenzyme A.
Coenzyme A (CoA): A central cofactor involved in acyl transfer, energy metabolism and fatty acid synthesis.
Specific growth rate: A measure of daily percentage increase in body weight over a defined period.
Feed conversion ratio: The amount of feed required to produce a unit of body mass gain.
Antioxidant enzymes: Enzymes such as catalase and superoxide dismutase that mitigate oxidative damage.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs): Fatty acids with multiple double bonds, important for cell membrane fluidity and nutritional quality.
References
- Effects of Dietary Pantothenic Acid on Growth, Intestinal Function, Anti-Oxidative Status and Fatty Acids Synthesis of Juvenile Blunt Snout Bream Megalobrama amblycephala. PLOS ONE (2015).
- Effects of Pantothenic Acid on Growth Performance, Oxidative Stress, and Lipid Content in High‐Fat‐Fed Megalobrama amblycephala. Aquaculture Nutrition (2022).
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