Probiotics and Their Functional Role in Mitigating Antinutrient Effects In Vivo-A Systematic Review and...

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Microbiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Antinutrients like phytic acid and oxalates impede mineral absorption (iron, zinc, calcium) by forming insoluble complexes.
• Probiotic interventions show potential to mitigate antinutrient effects via enzymatic activity and gut microbiota modulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a PRISMA-based meta-analysis evaluating the efficacy of probiotic supplementation on mineral bioavailability in animal models fed antinutrient-rich diets.
• To synthesize findings from controlled in vivo studies on mineral absorption markers and calcium oxalate deposition.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 in vivo studies (chickens, mice, rats) published between 2005-2025.
• Random effects models were used to analyze data, expressing results as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Main Results:

• Probiotics increased hepatic iron and liver ferritin in broiler chickens (SMD = 2.05; 2.85).
• In rats, probiotics reduced renal calcium oxalate deposition (SMD = 0.77) but did not significantly alter urinary oxalate.
• Mouse models showed improved gut microbiota diversity with no significant change in body weight (SMD = 0.02).

Conclusions:

• Probiotic supplementation may offer benefits for mineral bioavailability and reducing calcium oxalate deposition in animals under antinutrient challenge.
• The current evidence is of low certainty and high heterogeneity, necessitating cautious interpretation.
• Further species-specific, well-designed studies with standardized protocols are required to draw definitive conclusions.