The multi-protective role of dietary betaine in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides): coordinating antioxidant, inflammatory, and metabolic homeostasis under high-fat diet stress

Dietary betaine effectively counteracts HF-induced metabolic stress in M. salmoides through coordinated multi-pathway regulation. It enhances antioxidant defense, reprograms hepatic lipid metabolism toward catabolism, and restores inflammatory homeostasis. These findings underscore betaine's role as a multi-functional feed additive capable of mitigating HF-related metabolic disorders and promoting overall health in carnivorous fish aquaculture.