We are pleased to share the results of a new proteomic study evaluating the impact of PhytoAqua AO supplementation on the gut and blood proteomes of juvenile rainbow trout. The study, made in South Africa by Marihealth Solutions, combined advanced proteomics with production performance data to better understand how PhytoAqua AO influences fish health and robustness.

A Strong and Significant Response in the Gut

The most important finding was observed in the intestine. Fish receiving PhytoAqua AO showed a clear and statistically significant shift in their gut proteome, with 111 proteins significantly altered compared with the control group. In contrast, changes in blood were weaker and did not reach statistical significance.

The gut proteome revealed three key biological effects:

1. Reduced Metabolic Burden

PhytoAqua AO decreased the abundance of proteins involved in energy-consuming processes such as glycolysis, protein degradation and cellular turnover. This suggests that intestinal cells may require less energy for maintenance, allowing resources to be redirected towards normal gut function and nutrient utilization.

2. Enhanced Mucosal Immune Readiness

The study found increased levels of proteins associated with innate immunity and mucosal defense, including L-plastin, C1-inhibitor, fibrinogen and GP2. This pattern indicates a gut that is better prepared to respond to pathogens without showing signs of excessive inflammation.

3. Improved Cellular Resilience

PhytoAqua AO increased the abundance of molecular chaperones such as HSP90 while reducing proteins involved in protein degradation. In simple terms, intestinal cells appeared to favour protein repair and maintenance rather than protein disposal, a hallmark of improved cellular resilience and stress adaptation.

Production Results Support the Molecular Findings

The proteomic results were consistent with the performance data collected during the six-week trial. Trout fed PhytoAqua AO experienced lower mortality (6.27% vs 7.74%), representing a 19% relative reduction in fish losses. Final weight gain was slightly higher in the PhytoAqua AO group (57.09 g vs 56.17 g).

While feed conversion was slightly higher in the PhytoAqua AO group, the proteomic data suggest that the product’s primary benefit is not increased feed efficiency, but rather improved health status and resilience.

What Do These Results Mean?

Taken together, the findings indicate that PhytoAqua AO helps create a healthier and more resilient intestinal environment. The product appears to strengthen mucosal defenses, improve cellular robustness and reduce metabolic stress in the gut, supporting the fish’s ability to cope with health and environmental challenges.

Most importantly, these biological changes were accompanied by improved survival, reinforcing the concept that a healthier gut is a key foundation for more robust fish.