ICAR-NISA Encapsulation of Ascorbic acid using natural gum based dietary fibre.

Technology Details:

The technology deals with delivery of ascorbic acid (AA) which is very challenging due to losses occur during feed processing and storage, and also leaching of Vitamin C into water.  The present technology provided the method of encapsulation of ascorbic acid into guar gum dietary fibre which gives the Vitamin C the sustained release property. The encapsulated vitamin C was added to fish feed intended for its improved bioavailability and reduce the loss of vitamin C. The bioavailability study of encapsulated vitamin C in fish model shows that the treatment with encapsulated AA feed shows highest accumulation of AA in the muscle and liver tissues of the fish.

Vitamin C is the most important vitamin because it is a powerful antioxidant and immunomodulator for fishes. The fish body needs vitamin C to remain in proper health condition. Dietary vitamin C supplementation is reported to enhance growth and immune response in fish.  Most of the fish feed lacks Vitamin C supplementation because of its unstable nature. Our study developed a stable encapsulated form of Vitamin C which have sustained release property as well as better bioavailability. The encapsulated vitamin C enriched dietary supplement/fish feed may enhance the fish productivity as well as the economic benefit of the farmer.