Influence of dietary ascorbic acid on plasma lipid levels in the rainbow trout.

Rainbow trout maintained on ascorbic acid deficient and three grades of ascorbic acid supplemented diets (160--1280 mg ascorbic acid pr kg feed) for a period of 53 weeks, were studied for effects on plasma lipid levels. Fish fed the diet with no ascorbic acid manifested lethargy, lordosis, scoliosis, internal hemorrhages and low body weight. With regard to blood properties, ascorbic acid deficient fish had low hematocrit and high plasma levels of triglycerides and cholesterol but low level of free fatty acids. Plasma level of free fatty acids was low also in fish fed the diet containing the highest amount of ascorbic acid.