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What are immunostimulants?
Immunostimulants are substances that enhance the activity of the immune system, with the aim of improving the fish's ability to resist infection. Many diseases are caused when the fish's immune system is weakened due to stress or poor nutrition, allowing common pathogens to invade and multiply. Immunostimulants can reduce the chances of this happening.
There are many substances that have been investigated for their ability to stimulate the immune system. One of the most well researched and proven of these is ß-glucan, which amongst other things increases the activity level of macrophages – white blood cells that engulf and destroy invading pathogens. Most work on immunostimulants has been done in relation to farmed fish, but Tetra, in conjunction with external research institutes, has carried out specific work on carp ( Cyprinus carpio ) and other ornamental fish in order to establish the efficacy of the particular ß-glucan used in KoiExcellence. All KoiExcellence foods contain this ß-glucan in conjunction with other ingredients to strengthen the immune system.
It should also be remembered that a healthy immune system depends on a good quality basic diet, and that immunostimulants cannot make up for poor formulations. KoiExcellence provides all of the nutrition and energy that koi need for excellent health and condition in addition to special immunostimulants. |
