The effect of vitamin E on the serum complement activity of the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)

Rainbow trout were fed three experimental diets with varying levels of vitamin E (α-tocopherol) supplementation (0, 100 and 1000 mg kg−1 diet), and the effects of feeding these diets on serum spontaneous haemolytic activity and classical complement activity were investigated. Hepatic α-tocopherol levels reflected the dietary intake of the vitamin. Fish fed the diet deficient in vitamin E showed reduced growth and increased mortality. Their hepatosomatic index and erythrocyte fragility was significantly higher than both the supplemented groups and haematocrit, and complement activity were all significantly lower. There appeared to be some enhancement of serum complement activity correlated with increased dietary supplementation with vitamin E but the benefits of supplementation at levels above those currently recommended were not established.