Potential Complementary Effect of Zinc and Alkalihalobacillus clausii on Gut Health and Immunity: A Narrative Review

A balanced microbiota-microorganisms that live in the gut-is crucial in the early years of a child's life, while dysbiosis-altered microbiota-has been linked to the development of various diseases. Probiotics, such as Alkalihalobacillus clausii, are commonly used to restore the balance of gut microbiota and have shown additional antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties. Intake of micronutrients can affect the structure and function of the gut barrier and of the microbiota by having multiple effects on cellular metabolism (e.g., immunomodulation, gene expression, and support structure proteins). An inadequate zinc intake increases the risk of deficiency and associated immune dysfunctions; it is responsible for an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory infections, and stunting. Paediatric zinc deficiency is a public health concern in many countries, especially in low-income areas. Currently, zinc supplementation is used to treat childhood diarrhoea. This review examines how combining A. clausii and zinc could improve dysbiosis, gut health, and immunity. It suggests that this combination could be used to prevent and treat infectious diseases and diarrhoea in children up to adolescence.