Application of Natural Antioxidants as Feed Additives in Aquaculture: A Review

Oxidative stress, a critical factor affecting the health and productivity of aquatic organisms, arises from the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant defenses. In aquaculture, natural antioxidants have gained increasing attention as sustainable feed additives to mitigate oxidative damage, enhance immune responses, and improve overall growth performance. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the antioxidative mechanisms of key natural antioxidants, including carotenoids, polysaccharides, vitamins, polyphenols, and flavonoids. By neutralizing ROS and modulating cellular signaling pathways such as Nrf2/ARE, these compounds offer significant protective effects…