Zebrafish Vitamin Intake Calculator
Here is a table summarizing the important vitamins and their functions in the diet of zebrafish (Danio rerio), a common model organism used in research:
| Vitamin | Type | Function | Recommended Intake (per kg of diet) | Deficiency Symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | Fat-Soluble | Important for vision, immune function, reproduction, and cellular communication. | 5,000–10,000 IU | Poor growth, eye disorders, abnormal vision, immune deficiencies |
| Vitamin D | Fat-Soluble | Regulates calcium and phosphorus absorption, bone formation. | 1,000–2,500 IU | Bone deformities, soft bones (rickets), lethargy |
| Vitamin E | Fat-Soluble | Antioxidant, protects cell membranes from oxidative damage. | 100–200 mg | Muscle degeneration, poor growth, reproductive failure |
| Vitamin K | Fat-Soluble | Important for blood clotting and bone health. | 20–50 mg | Hemorrhaging, delayed blood clotting |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) | Water-Soluble | Antioxidant, collagen synthesis, immune function. | 100–500 mg | Poor wound healing, spinal deformities, increased susceptibility to infections |
| Thiamine (Vitamin B1) | Water-Soluble | Energy metabolism, nerve function. | 2–5 mg | Lethargy, convulsions, poor growth, nervous system disorders |
| Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) | Water-Soluble | Energy production, cellular function, skin health. | 5–10 mg | Poor growth, eye abnormalities, skin lesions |
| Niacin (Vitamin B3) | Water-Soluble | Supports metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. | 20–50 mg | Poor growth, skin and intestinal lesions, nervous system disorders |
| Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) | Water-Soluble | Metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, synthesis of coenzyme A. | 10–30 mg | Poor growth, skin and fin damage |
| Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) | Water-Soluble | Protein metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, brain development. | 2–5 mg | Muscle twitches, convulsions, poor growth |
| Biotin (Vitamin B7) | Water-Soluble | Fat and carbohydrate metabolism, maintenance of skin and scales. | 0.1–0.5 mg | Skin and fin damage, poor growth |
| Folate (Vitamin B9) | Water-Soluble | DNA synthesis, cell division, red blood cell production. | 1–3 mg | Anemia, reduced growth, poor egg quality |
| Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) | Water-Soluble | Blood formation, DNA synthesis, nerve function. | 0.01–0.05 mg | Anemia, nervous system disorders, poor reproductive success |
| Choline | Water-Soluble | Component of cell membranes, supports nerve function and lipid metabolism. | 1,000–3,000 mg | Fatty liver, poor growth, reproductive issues |
| Inositol | Water-Soluble | Cell membrane formation, fat metabolism. | 500–1,500 mg | Fatty liver, poor growth |
Notes:
- Vitamin requirements can vary based on life stage, environmental conditions, and specific zebrafish strains.
- The values provided for recommended intake are approximate and based on general guidelines for zebrafish nutrition.