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All-natural: Immune protection, enhanced performance Christian Cordts, Mirona Quandt, Berg + Schmidt
In the fight against bacteria and viruses, there are high hopes for the role played by medium-chain functional lipids. Functional vegetable lipids can improve gut health by positively affecting the microbiota and immune function. Believe it or not, the antimicrobial properties of medium-chain functional lipids have been known since the 1800s, but have previously been overlooked as a value-added feed additive due to the use of antibiotics. Functional lipids incorporated into fish feeds are seen as a method to support immune function, resistance to stress and pathogens, and increase fish production. As such, German feed ingredients manufacturer Berg + Schmidt offers natural functional lipids that support the immune system and growth of fish. Thanks to expert knowledge and innovative technology, the company’s functional lipids and fats are easy to use and offer numerous health benefits.
Gut health: Epicenter of immunity The hot topic of gut health encompasses a number of factors. These range from an effective digestive function, optimal absorption of nutrients, the absence of gastrointestinal diseases, good immune status, healthy gut flora to the wellbeing of fish and shrimp. The gut microbiota, which resides in the gastrointestinal tract, provides essential health benefits to its host, particularly by regulating immune homeostasis. Moreover, it has become obvious that alterations to the gut microbial composition can cause immune dysregulation. To maintain this delicate status, a balance between nutrient intake, symbiotic microflora and an optimized mucosa must be maintained. Any negative impact on gut flora, e.g. by oral administration of antibiotics, stressful husbandry conditions, an unbalanced diet or stress, can result in reduced
Figure 1. Major points for a healthy gastrointestinal system.
functionality and immune power of the gut. Here, medium-chain functional lipids play a key supporting role.
Smart way to beat pathogens The antimicrobial properties of fatty acids have been known and used for many decades. However, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, legal regulations and increasing consumer demand for sustainable solutions have driven a need for alternatives such as those found in functional lipids. Medium-chain fatty acids, monoglycerides and triglycerides are saturated fatty acids with carbon lengths of 6, 8, 10 and 12, named caproic, caprylic, capric and lauric acids, respectively. Due to their chain length and unique structure (which is shown in Fig. 2) they can be used as antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal and antiinflammatory agents, and can be referred to as medium-chain functional lipids.
Aquafeed: Advances in Processing & Formulation Vol 13 Issue 2 2021
