Vitamin E Supplementation in Aquaculture Systems
Summary
Vitamin E, primarily in the form of α-tocopherol, is a lipid-soluble antioxidant that plays a central role in maintaining cell membrane integrity, modulating immune responses and supporting reproductive functions in cultured aquatic species. In aquafeeds, inclusion levels of vitamin E vary according to species, life stage and dietary lipid composition, with higher requirements observed under conditions of oxidative challenge, such as the use of plant oils or oxidised marine lipids. Supplementation strategies aim to counteract reactive oxygen species, reduce lipid peroxidation and enhance physiological performance. Empirical evidence demonstrates that optimal vitamin E dosing improves growth rates, feed efficiency and flesh quality, while bolstering non-specific immunity and stress resilience. In broodstock and juvenile stages alike, vitamin E contributes to gonadal maturation, larval viability and skeletal development. As aquaculture diversifies its ingredient base and seeks more sustainable lipid sources, precise understanding of vitamin E dynamics is critical for formulating cost-effective, health-promoting feeds that support global production targets and minimise environmental impact.
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Vitamin E Supplementation in Aquaculture Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in vitamin e supplementation in aquaculture systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Antioxidant capacity: The ability of tissues or feeds to neutralise reactive oxygen species and prevent cellular damage.
Lipid peroxidation: Oxidative degradation of lipids leading to membrane dysfunction and formation of reactive by-products.
Oxidative stress: A state in which the production of reactive oxygen species exceeds the organism’s antioxidant defences.
Gonadosomatic index (GSI): The ratio of gonad weight to total body weight, used as an indicator of reproductive maturation.
Feed conversion ratio (FCR): The amount of feed required to produce a unit of biomass gain, reflecting feed utilisation efficiency.
Specific growth rate (SGR): The daily percentage increase in body weight, commonly used to assess growth performance.
References
- Vitamin E Ameliorates Impaired Ovarian Development, Oxidative Stress, and Disrupted Lipid Metabolism in Oreochromis niloticus Fed with a Diet Containing Olive Oil Instead of Fish Oil. Antioxidants (2023).
- Vitamin E supplementation in diet ameliorates growth of Nile tilapia by upgrading muscle health. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences (2023).
- Effects of dietary vitamin E on growth performance, body composition, antioxidant capacity, and some immune responses in Caspian trout (Salmo caspius). Aquaculture Reports (2021).
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