Nutrition and health of fish (original) (raw)

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 ...