Stability and bioavailability of vitamin C glucose in Clarias hybrid catfish (Clarias gariepinus x Clarias macrocephalus)

A stable form of vitamin C, ascorbate-glucose, was tested for stability, bioavailability, safety and efficacy in Clarias hybrid catfish. Six test diets containing 0 and 100mg L-ascorbic acid (ASA) and 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg ascorbate vitamin C-glucose (AAG) per kg of diet were fed to fingerling catfish. Weight gain, feed conversion and survival of fish on the diet with no added ascorbic acid was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that of fish fed with vitamin C. This study indicated that 31-42 mg of ascorbic acid activity or 60-80 mg of AAG per kg of diet was required for rapid growth and 42 mg of ascorbic acid activity or 80 mg of AAG per kg of diet was required for good health, better feed conversion and survival and prevention of deficiency signs. Ascorbate-glucose appeared to be comparable to ASA on a molar-equivalency basis and was found to be very stable during processing, storage and leaching studies. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.