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Li B, Chen C, Zhou X, Liu H, Zhou Z, Wang X, Liang J, Guo Y, Liang S. Effectiveness of Astaxanthin as a Feed Supplement to Improve Growth Performance and Feed Utilization in Aquaculture Animals: A Meta-Analysis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2025; 14:609. [PMID: 40427490 PMCID: PMC12109285 DOI: 10.3390/antiox14050609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2025] [Revised: 05/09/2025] [Accepted: 05/16/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Aquaculture, a vital component of global food supply, faces challenges from environmental stressors that compromise aquatic animal health and productivity. Astaxanthin, a potent carotenoid antioxidant, has shown promise in enhancing growth and stress resilience in aquaculture species, yet its effects remain inconsistent across studies. This meta-analysis systematically evaluates the efficacy of dietary astaxanthin supplementation on growth, feed utilization, antioxidant capacity, and immune function in aquaculture animals. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, 64 studies (33 species, 964 comparisons) published prior to 2025 were analyzed using a random-effects model. Results demonstrated that astaxanthin significantly improved final body weight, weight gain rate, specific growth rate, survival rate, and protein efficiency ratio, while reducing feed conversion ratio. Additionally, it enhanced digestive enzyme activities, hepatopancreas antioxidant biomarkers, and immune parameters. The subgroup analysis revealed differences related to species, trophic level, and habitat, and estimated the optimal dose for key indicators. Despite heterogeneity and publication bias, adjusted effect sizes remained significant for most outcomes. These findings underscore astaxanthin's potential as a multifunctional feed additive to promote sustainable aquaculture, though its efficacy depends on species, dosage, and environmental context, warranting further mechanistic and optimization studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Aqua-Ecology and Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China; (B.L.); (X.Z.); (H.L.); (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Smart Breeding (Co-Construction by Ministry and Province, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Chunxiu Chen
- Tianjin Fisheries Research Institute, Tianjin 300221, China;
| | - Xiaoqing Zhou
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Aqua-Ecology and Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China; (B.L.); (X.Z.); (H.L.); (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Smart Breeding (Co-Construction by Ministry and Province, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Huiru Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Aqua-Ecology and Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China; (B.L.); (X.Z.); (H.L.); (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Smart Breeding (Co-Construction by Ministry and Province, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Zhixiong Zhou
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Aqua-Ecology and Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China; (B.L.); (X.Z.); (H.L.); (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Smart Breeding (Co-Construction by Ministry and Province, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Aqua-Ecology and Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China; (B.L.); (X.Z.); (H.L.); (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Smart Breeding (Co-Construction by Ministry and Province, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Jian Liang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Aqua-Ecology and Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China; (B.L.); (X.Z.); (H.L.); (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Smart Breeding (Co-Construction by Ministry and Province, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Yongjun Guo
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Aqua-Ecology and Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China; (B.L.); (X.Z.); (H.L.); (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Smart Breeding (Co-Construction by Ministry and Province, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Shuang Liang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Aqua-Ecology and Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China; (B.L.); (X.Z.); (H.L.); (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Smart Breeding (Co-Construction by Ministry and Province, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China
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Sukarman S, Sofyan A, Nur B, Cindelaras S, Murniasih S, Rohmy S, Kadarini T, Nurhidayat N, Zamroni M, Chaniago MF, Ginanjar R. Dietary effect of carotenoids from golden snail eggs on colour enhancement in Koi fish Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus 1758. BRAZ J BIOL 2025; 85:e292148. [PMID: 40366984 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.292148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2025] [Indexed: 05/16/2025] Open
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the growth and pigmentation of koi fish (Cyprinus carpio) fed with carotenoids from golden snail eggs (GSE). Fish were fed a control diet (0 ppm), supplemented with 75 ppm, 150 ppm and 225 ppm of carotenoid from GSE for 60 days. Growth was checked at 10-day intervals, while skin colour was assessed using a colourimeter to measure the chroma (C*), lightness (L*) and hue (H*) of the red zone of the skin. Total carotenoid (TC) concentrations were also analysed in the muscle, fin and skin tissues. The inclusion of carotenoid from GSE did not significantly affect growth, but a notable enhancement in chroma and hue (P < 0.05) was observed at the 225 ppm inclusion level. Furthermore, the 225 ppm diet significantly increased TC concentration in the skin (P < 0.05), without influencing levels in the muscle or fin. These findings suggest that supplementation with 225 ppm carotenoid from GSE effectively enhances koi skin pigmentation without compromising growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukarman Sukarman
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
- Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), Department of Nutrition and Feed Technology, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
| | - A Sofyan
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
| | - B Nur
- Research Center for Fishery, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
| | - S Cindelaras
- Research Center for Fishery, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
| | - S Murniasih
- Research Center for Fishery, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
| | - S Rohmy
- Research Center for Fishery, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
| | - T Kadarini
- Research Center for Fishery, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Nurhidayat Nurhidayat
- Research Center for Fishery, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
| | - M Zamroni
- Research Center for Conservation of Marine and Inland Water Resources, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
| | - M F Chaniago
- Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - R Ginanjar
- Research Center for Conservation of Marine and Inland Water Resources, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
- Charles Sturt University, Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Sturt University, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
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Li T, Zheng PH, Zhang XX, Zhang ZL, Li JT, Li JJ, Xu JR, Wang DM, Xian JA, Guo H, Lu YP. Effects of dietary astaxanthin on growth performance, muscle composition, non-specific immunity, gene expression, and ammonia resistance of juvenile ivory shell (Babylonia areolate). FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 145:109363. [PMID: 38185392 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Astaxanthin is one of the important immunopotentators in aquaculture. However, little is known about the physiological changes and stress resistance effects of astaxanthin in marine gastropods. In this study, the effects of different astaxanthin concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg) on the growth, muscle composition, immune function, and resistance to ammonia stress in Babylonia areolata were investigated after three months of rearing. With the increase in astaxanthin content, the weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and survival rate (SR) of B. areolata showed an increasing trend. The 75-100 mg/kg group was significantly higher than the control group (0 mg/kg). There was no significant difference in the flesh shell ratio (FSR), viscerosomatic index (VSI), and soft tissue index (STI) of the experimental groups. Astaxanthin (75 mg/kg) significantly increased muscle crude protein content and increased hepatopancreas alkaline phosphatase (AKP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity. Astaxanthin (75-100 mg/kg) significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and acid phosphatase (ACP) of the hepatopancreas and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of B. areolata. Astaxanthin significantly induced the expression levels of functional genes, such as SOD, Cu/ZnSOD, ferritin, ACP, and CYC in hepatopancreas and increased the survival rate of B. areolata under ammonia stress. The addition of 75-100 mg/kg astaxanthin to the feed improved the growth performance, muscle composition, immune function, and resistance to ammonia stress of B. areolata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Functional Components Research and Utilization of Marine Bio-Resources, Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, People's Republic of China; Guangdong South China Sea Key Laboratory of Aquaculture for Aquatic Economic Animals, College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524025, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei-Hua Zheng
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Functional Components Research and Utilization of Marine Bio-Resources, Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiu-Xia Zhang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Functional Components Research and Utilization of Marine Bio-Resources, Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, People's Republic of China
| | - Ze-Long Zhang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Functional Components Research and Utilization of Marine Bio-Resources, Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Tao Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Functional Components Research and Utilization of Marine Bio-Resources, Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Jun Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Functional Components Research and Utilization of Marine Bio-Resources, Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Rui Xu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Functional Components Research and Utilization of Marine Bio-Resources, Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong-Mei Wang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Functional Components Research and Utilization of Marine Bio-Resources, Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-An Xian
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Functional Components Research and Utilization of Marine Bio-Resources, Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, People's Republic of China; Guangdong South China Sea Key Laboratory of Aquaculture for Aquatic Economic Animals, College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524025, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hui Guo
- Guangdong South China Sea Key Laboratory of Aquaculture for Aquatic Economic Animals, College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524025, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yao-Peng Lu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Functional Components Research and Utilization of Marine Bio-Resources, Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, People's Republic of China.
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Muñoz-Miranda LA, Iñiguez-Moreno M. An extensive review of marine pigments: sources, biotechnological applications, and sustainability. AQUATIC SCIENCES 2023; 85:68. [PMID: 37096011 PMCID: PMC10112328 DOI: 10.1007/s00027-023-00966-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The global demand for food and healthcare products based on natural compounds means that the industrial and scientific sectors are on a continuous search for natural colored compounds that can contribute to the replacement of synthetic colors. Natural pigments are a heterogeneous group of chemical molecules, widely distributed in nature. Recently, the interest in marine organisms has increased as they represent the most varied environment in the world and provide a wide range of colored compounds with bioactive properties and biotechnological applications in areas such as the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and textile industries. The use of marine-derived pigments has increased during the last two decades because they are environmentally safe and healthy compounds. This article provides a comprehensive review of the current knowledge of sources, applications, and sustainability of the most important marine pigments. In addition, alternatives to protect these compounds from environmental conditions and their applications in the industrial sector are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Alfonso Muñoz-Miranda
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, 44340 Jalisco Mexico
| | - Maricarmen Iñiguez-Moreno
- Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, 64849 Mexico
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, 64849 Mexico
- Universidad Politécnica del Estado de Nayarit, Tepic, 63506 Nayarit Mexico
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Comparison of the Retention Rates of Synthetic and Natural Astaxanthin in Feeds and Their Effects on Pigmentation, Growth, and Health in Rainbow Trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss). Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11122473. [PMID: 36552680 PMCID: PMC9774906 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11122473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The coloring efficiency and physiological function of astaxanthin in fish vary with its regions. The aim of this study was to compare the retention rates of dietary astaxanthin from different sources and its effects on growth, pigmentation, and physiological function in Oncorhynchus mykiss. Fish were fed astaxanthin-supplemented diets (LP: 0.1% Lucantin® Pink CWD; CP: 0.1% Carophyll® Pink; EP: 0.1% Essention® Pink; PR: 1% Phaffia rhodozyma; HP: 1% Haematococcus pluvialis), or a diet without astaxanthin supplementation, for 56 days. Dietary astaxanthin enhanced pigmentation as well as the growth of the fish. The intestinal morphology of fish was improved, and the crude protein content of dorsal muscle significantly increased in fish fed with astaxanthin. Moreover, astaxanthin led to a decrease in total cholesterol levels and alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activity in plasma. Fish fed on the CP diet also produced the highest level of umami amino acids (aspartic acid and glutamic acid). Regarding antioxidant capacity, astaxanthin increased Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and antioxidant enzyme activity. Innate immune responses, including lysozyme and complement systems, were also stimulated by astaxanthin. Lucantin® Pink CWD had the highest stability in feed and achieved the best pigmentation, Essention® Pink performed best in growth promotion and Carophyll® Pink resulted in the best flesh quality. H. pluvialis was the astaxanthin source for achieving the best antioxidant properties and immunity of O. mykiss.
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