Nutrition and health of fish
Keywords:
Fish, nutrient, immune functionAbstract
Research on nutrition and immune function of fish is slowly expanding to define the role of
specific nutrients in disease resistance in fish. The potential impact of certain vitamins (A, E and C), trace
elements (iron and selenium), protein, carbohydrate and lipid on the immune response and the pathogenesis of
deficiency diseases is briefly reviewed. Recent developments on the functional role of n-3 and n-6
polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on nonspecific and specific humoral and cellular immunity are
summarized. In addition to cell membrane function (e.g. fluidity and permeability), the immunological effects
of PUFAs are associated with the formation of eicosanoids such as leucotrienes (LT) and prostaglandins (PG).
Dietary n-3 and n-6 PUFAs intake have a significant effect on LT and PG production by macrophage and
leukocytes, which directly influence the piscine immune function. Although potential for disease prevention
in fish by dietary changes exists, additional information is required on the specific effects of nutrients in
pathogenesis of common diseases and how these effects are influenced by other physiological and
environment factors.
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