Las principales vitaminas y minerales que influyen en la formación del exoesqueleto de crustáceos

Abstract

Crustaceans are characterized by having a hard exoskeleton formed of chitin and calcium carbonate that serves as protection, but in turn limits their growth. Thus, to increase in size they need to change it in a process known as molt or ecdisis. Before the molt, a new exoskeleton is created that is located above the epidermis and below the old exoskeleton, so that when the new exoskeleton is in development and the old (exuvia) is detached, the crustacean already has a new exoskeleton Fine and not calcified. Some vitamins and minerals are involved in the formation of the new exoskeleton, allowing its development and subsequent hardening. Due to the above, a bibliographical investigation was proposed to determine the vitamins and minerals that influence the formation of the exoskeleton of crustaceans. Within the vitamins we have water-soluble vitamins such as inositol and vitamin C and fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D and E that perform different functions during the shedding cycle or as part of the exoskeleton. Calcium is one of the major components of the exoskeleton, mostly found as calcium carbonate. Other elements such as phosphorus, magnesium and sulfur can also be found in various ionized forms within the cuticle.