Effects of various dietary factors on astaxanthin absorption in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

The experiment was designed to investigate the dietary factors that might enhance or interfere with astaxanthin (Ax) absorption in salmon including potentially interfering factors such as certain carotenoids (zeaxanthin and lutein), plant sterols, fibre and enhancing compounds such as cholesterol and vitamin E. Two hundred and eighty-eight salmon (778 +/- 78 g) were reared in sea water under controlled conditions and fed practical experimental diets. The experimental diets were supplemented with 40 mg Ax kg(-1), in addition to various dietary factors, including cholesterol (2%), vitamin E (450 IU kg(-1)), wheat bran (5%), lutein (40 mg kg(-1)), zeaxanthin (40 mg kg(-1)) and phytosterol (2%). After 26 days of feeding, blood was collected and plasma was separated to determine the plasma Ax concentration. Ax was not detected in the plasma of fish fed the non-pigmented diet. Fish fed diet containing 2% cholesterol significantly improved Ax absorption, which was reflected in the higher Ax concentration in plasma of Atlantic salmon. Other supplements including vitamin E, wheat bran, lutein, zeaxanthin and phytosterols in diet had no significant effect on plasma Ax concentration. Fish fed diet containing 2% cholesterol significantly increased cholesterol concentration in fish plasma. Phytosterol had no benefit to lower cholesterol plasma level in fish fed 2% phytosterol-supplemented diet.