Use Of Probiotics Research Articles

Importance of gut microbiota during neurodevelopment has increased, as has the potential relationship between the gut microbiota and (ASD). Complex associations between gut microbiota and ASD are explored here, including significant pathways such as immune modulation, neurotransmitter control, and gut-brain axis signaling. Based on available data, individuals with ASD possess distinctive microbial signatures that are characterized by reduced diversity and altered abundance of specific bacterial species. Such modifications could be related to symptoms of the behavioral nature, neuroinflammatory, as well as gastrointestinal. ASD growth as well as severity could be influenced by the composition of microbiome, depending on genetic, nutrition, microbial exposure during the earliest phases, as well as antibiotic use. Additional therapies based on the microbiome that presented the potential to alleviate the symptoms related to ASD include the use of probiotics, prebiotics, diet modification, as well as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Still, establishing the causal associations, standardizing the procedure of handling the patients, as well as solving the problem related to the manipulation of microbiome, are still challenging activities, though. Large-scale, long-term studies need to be the core agenda of subsequent research, so that specific microbial signatures associated with ASD will be clearly defined, as well as tailored therapies that address the microbiome will be developed. Understanding more about the role that the microbiota plays during ASD may open up the diagnosis as well as the therapy based on the entirely new concepts, something that will ultimately benefit the patients who possess the disorder.

Aflatoxin contamination of milk is a serious health concern. When animals ingested food contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), it would be converted into aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and secreted in the milk. This carcinogenic and hepatotoxic toxin could be overcome by biological methods. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the anti-aflatoxigenic effect of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) ATCC 7469, as well as its synbiotic combination with chitosan ZnO nanocomposite using ELISA. This is carried out by measuring AFM1 concentration in 90 milk samples, including 73 raw and 27 powdered milk samples. The average AFM1 concentration was 11.22 ± 11.31 and 10.62 ± 8.08µg/kg, which exceeded the international regulatory limits for raw and powdered milk, respectively. All milk samples were treated with L. rhamnosus ATCC 7469 and a synbiotic combination of chitosan/ZnO nanocomposite and L. rhamnosus ATCC 7469. The results showed that the probiotic L. rhamnosus ATCC 7469, and the synbiotic combination significantly reduced the AFM1 concentration in milk (p value ≤ 0.05). The used probiotic bacteria showed binding to AFM1 from 10 to 83.8%, while the binding range increased to 34-92% after treating milk with the synbiotic combination. In conclusion, the biological treatment of milk using the probiotic, L. rhamnosus ATCC 7469, alone or in combination with chitosan/ZnO nanocomposite, is an efficient method for reducing the AFM1 concentration in milk. This study highlights the use of both metal nanoparticles (as a prebiotic) and probiotics, forming a synbiotic approach to control milk contamination with aflatoxins in the laboratory.

Introduction The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is rapidly increasing. Modulation of the gut microbiota through the use of probiotics has been recognized as an important option for the treatment of hepatic steatosis. Previous studies suggested that the bacterial strain Lactobacillus helveticus BGRA43 (LHBGRA43) can reduce inflammation and improve the bacterial balance in the gut. The aim of this study was to investigate whether oral administration of LHBGRA43 in mice fed a high-fat diet contributes to the reduction of hepatic steatosis through its beneficial effects on the composition of the gut microbiota. Methods Male C57BL/6J mice (2.5 months old) were divided into three groups: a control group fed a standard diet (10% kcal fat), a high-fat diet (HFD) group (60% kcal fat for 14 weeks) and a HFD group that received freeze-dried LHBGRA43 dissolved in PBS orally for the last 5 weeks of the diet. Results Histological analysis of the liver showed that animals fed HFD exhibited hepatic steatosis, while no lipid droplets were present in the liver of animals receiving LHBGRA43. This decrease in steatosis correlated with decreased level of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, reduced expression of the fatty acid transporter Cd 36, enzymes involved in ceramide synthesis and proinflammatory markers. The administration of LHBGRA43 also improved the integrity of the small intestine barrier, as evidenced by an increased level of ZO-1 protein. The observed reduction in intestinal permeability was associated with a decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio and increased abundance of the genera Alistipes, Acetatifactor and Odoribacter , as well as a decreased concentration of branched-chain 4-methylvaleric acids. Discussion In conclusion, the restoration of the gut microbiota composition in combination with the strengthening of the small intestine barrier suggests that LHBGRA43 could be used as a general probiotic strain with ameliorative effects on hepatic lipid accumulation and lipotoxicity.

Bivalve molluscs represent an important food source and have a significant economic impact through their commercialization in many countries. As high-capacity filter feeders, they can bioaccumulate contaminants and pathogens, creating tangible consumer health risks. This study presents the first comprehensive patent landscape of bivalve mollusc decontamination technologies indexed in international patent databases (Espacenet). The survey identified 30 patents filed between 1989 and 2025. Unlike reviews based solely on scientific literature, this work provides, for the first time, a global mapping of technological developments aimed at enhancing the safety of bivalves-derived foods. The analysis highlights depuration as the predominant technology, which continues to be refined and optimized. It also reveals the emergence of disruptive approaches—such as photodynamic sterilization, the use of probiotics, immunopotentiators, natural antimicrobial compounds, and genetic hybridization—developed to preserve the viability and sensory quality of the organisms. The novelty of this study lies in providing a technological overview of innovation within the aquaculture sector, emphasizing the transition from conventional methods to cleaner, integrated, and sustainable technologies. Furthermore, the research identifies the advancement of hybrid decontamination systems that combine microbiological efficiency, environmental preservation, and commercial value, contributing to safer and more technologically advanced shellfish production.

The cardinal Physiology of Gut Health in monogastric animals such as swine and poultry is vital. It is critical for digestive efficiency, immune status, and production levels. This system is related not only to the digestion and absorption of nutrients from feed ingredients contributing to growth and feed utilization efficiency but also to having a strategic microbiota that supports immunity and pathogen resistance, as well as metabolic support. Gut disease, for example, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection, diet, or stress, can reduce nutrient digestion and absorption. They can also suppress the immune system and render patients more prone to disease. These are efficiency degradations and increase veterinary and husbandry costs. In addition, nutrient absorption because of deteriorated gut health can affect the environment in different ways: removal of nutrients through leaching and the release of gases (including CH4 and NH4). These pressures have led to a focus on the gut in animal research to improve the welfare of animals and ensure sustainable practices in animal production. Recent studies have included the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and other feed additives to enhance the positive effects of the gut microbiota. These are also intervention points to increase nutrient absorption and animal well-being, in turn sustainability. Such approaches are expected to promote a stable microbial community with less dependence on the use of antibiotics, less waste generation, and less environmental impact from animal farming. This review provides a critical evaluation of the current literature on gut health in monogastric livestock, with pigs and poultry as the principal focus. We also considered the impact of gut health on production efficiency and Environmental sustainability. Current progress in nutritional modulation of gut health for increased productivity, enhanced animal welfare, and better profitability are presented. Gut-related biological mechanisms are linked to practical nutritional strategies, and subsequently to animal welfare, production efficiency, and environmental effects, offering a coherent concept for moving from mechanism to system-level sustainability.

ABSTRACT Hyperuricemia has become one of the most prevalent global epidemics, significantly impacting both the economy and the health of individuals. A promising strategy is the use of probiotics for hyperuricemia intervention. In this review, we systematically elucidate the role of probiotics in the treatment of hyperuricemia and the possible mechanism of probiotics to exert their activity. The main mechanisms by which probiotics modulate hyperuricemia are inhibiting xanthine oxidase activity to reduce uric acid synthesis, strengthening intestinal barrier integrity with the rebalance of the gut microbiota, scavenging dietary purines, and enhancing uric acid excretion via transporter modulation and enzymatic conversion. With the integration of artificial intelligence into microbial screening, robust data‐analytical support for high‐throughput screening has been provided, resulting in the successful isolation of probiotic strains with potent uric acid‐lowering capabilities. With subsequent genetic engineering, their uricolytic efficiency has been further enhanced. We summarize the applications and prospects of probiotic products in the field of food bioengineering. And look ahead to how probiotics can be better applied in the food sector in the future. Building on a systematic review of the current research progress, this review explores the existing limitations and clarifies the direction for future research. With the importance and need for the prevention and treatment of hyperuricemia and gout, as well as the rising popularity of probiotics research, the compilation of this review fills the current research progress in systematic summaries within this field. It provides new insights and reference for the prevention and treatment of hyperuricemia.

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus is widely recognized for its health-promoting properties, which have led to its broad application in the production of food and dietary supplements. Nevertheless, although rare and typically limited to patients with underlying conditions, adverse effects have also been reported. In this study, we sequenced and characterized the genomes of seven L. rhamnosus strains isolated from blood. Using a hybrid approach that combined Illumina and Oxford Nanopore technologies, we obtained complete genomes ranging from 2.96 to 3.13 Mb, with a GC content of 46.7–46.8%. Comparative analyses with publicly available L. rhamnosus genomes revealed that these isolates were genetically related to strains from highly diverse origins, including plants, dairy products, dietary supplements, the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts, as well as blood and other clinical samples from geographically distant regions. Importantly, neither core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) nor prophage and CRISPR module analyses indicated similarity to the widely used probiotic strain L. rhamnosus GG. Gene-based analysis identified determinants associated with bacteriocin production, adhesion, health-promoting traits, and potential pathogenicity of the strains. Notably, several genes linked to probiotic functions also overlapped with virulence factors found in pathogenic microorganisms. These findings demonstrate the genomic diversity of L. rhamnosus blood isolates and highlight the dual role of certain genetic determinants, underlining the importance of careful strain-level evaluation when selecting L. rhamnosus strains for probiotic use.

Recent advances in microbiome research have illuminated the complex bidirectional interactions between gut health and reproductive well-being. Understanding the gut microbiome's influence on the reproductive system and vice versa reveals how both of them can affect hormone production, immune function, and ultimately overall reproductive health. Dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbial community, has been linked with a range of reproductive issues, including decreased sperm count and motility, erectile dysfunction, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, infertility, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This review critically evaluates emerging therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring microbial balance and enhancing reproductive health, such as use of prebiotics, probiotics, bacteriophage therapy, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). By exploring the intricate interplay between gut microbiota and reproductive health, this review also emphasizes the need for integrated approaches in research and clinical practice to develop effective microbiome-based therapies for better reproductive health outcomes.

The use of probiotics with health-promoting activities has emerged as a strategy to combat specific hallmarks of obesity, such as excessive fat accumulation and associated inflammation. Here, we investigate the physiological and metabolic effects of Latilactobacillus sakei CNTA 173 (109 CFU/day) in diet-induced obese Wistar rats. Biochemical, 16S microbiota, untargeted metabolomic, and gene expression analyses were performed, as well as an in vivo toxicological study to demonstrate its safety. Probiotic-supplemented rats showed reduced adiposity, an improved inflammatory marker profile, and enhanced glucose tolerance, partly by modulating fecal microbiota composition and regulating the production of novel plasma metabolites, specifically sphingolipid-derived mediators such as ceramides. Moreover, no adverse effects were observed in an in vivo toxicity evaluation of this strain in Wistar rats. Our results unveil the fat-reducing and anti-inflammatory effects of L. sakei CNTA 173 and point out the potential use of this probiotic for the prevention of obesity-related disturbances.

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the leading causes of mortality in women worldwide, where the main risk factor is infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). This type of cancer is a significant public health problem, especially in regions with limited access to health care and vaccination programs. In recent years, the crucial link between the cervicovaginal microbiota and immune homeostasis has been highlighted, emphasizing its protective role against infections, including HPV. The cervicovaginal microbiota is composed mostly of bacteria of the Lactobacillus genus, important for female health and pH maintenance. Many studies have documented the role of vaginal dysbiosis in patients with intraepithelial lesions and CC. This dysbiosis is characterized by an increase in anaerobic bacteria as well as an increase in the microbial diversity, which create an inflammatory microenvironment that contributes to tissue damage and HPV persistence, favoring progression to invasive cancer. Recently, the use of probiotics in oral and topical forms as well as the vaginal microbiota transplantation have been explored to restore the balance of the vaginal microbiota and enhance the immune response against HPV. However, a lack of global standardization and ethical issues have had an impact on the formal development of these interventions. We propose that modulation of the vaginal microbiota by probiotics represents a valuable complementary strategy against CC. Future research should focus on clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of probiotics in modulating the vaginal microbiome and their impact on CC incidence and progression.

There is a need to search for new treatment options not only for depression but also for its concomitant diseases. Particularly, depression and metabolic health abnormalities often coexist, while inflammation and microbiota imbalance may play a part in their pathophysiological overlap. Thus, trials of interventions targeting the microbiota may result in establishing a safe adjunctive treatment option. This secondary analysis aimed to assess the effect of a probiotic formulation on inflammatory parameters in adult patients with depressive disorders depending on baseline clinical and immunometabolic characteristics. The parent trial was a two-arm, 60-day, prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled study. The probiotic formulation contained Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell®-52 and Bifidobacterium longum Rosell®-175. The change in inflammatory parameters after the intervention in the context of baseline lifestyle, clinical, metabolic, and inflammatory parameters was assessed. In per-protocol analysis, data from 88 participants were finally analyzed. Probiotic supplementation decreased the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) compared to placebo by 21.3% with a small effect size (p = .047, d = .249). There were no significant differences in complete blood countderived parameters or in tumor necrosis factor-α levels. The impact of probiotics was different when stratified by baseline metabolic syndrome (MetS) presence, liver steatosis non-invasive biomarkers, chronic low-grade inflammation status, and antidepressant use. The intake of probiotics by people with depression may offer some improvement in lowering CRP levels, especially in patients with comorbid MetS, liver abnormalities, or the use of antidepressants. The future potential of probiotic supplementation in the management of depression seems to be targeted at individuals with comorbidities of metabolic diseases, particularly suspected liver steatosis. Furthermore, patients treated with antidepressants may gain additional advantages from probiotic use, not only in terms of alleviating depression, but also in decreasing inflammation. Due to the preliminary character of our results, we emphasize the need for future studies in this area. gov identifier: NCT04756544.

Introduction The disadvantages of chemical mouthwashes have prompted the search for safer and more effective anti-plaque alternatives, leading to the use of probiotics. This study evaluated and compared the efficacy of probiotic toothpaste and probiotic mouthwash in reducing Streptococcus mutans levels in plaque around orthodontic brackets. Materials and Methods Fifty-four patients were randomly allocated into three groups ( n = 18 each) using a computer-generated random number table prepared by an independent researcher. Plaque samples were collected at baseline (Day 0) and after 30 days (Day 30) from the labial surfaces adjacent to maxillary lateral incisor brackets using the 4-pass technique. The presence of S. mutans was quantified as colony-forming units (CFU/mL) through culture methods, and statistical analysis was performed. Results The probiotic toothpaste group showed a mean reduction from 2.23 ± 0.68 to 1.51 ± 0.54 CFU/mL (∇ = 0.72, p = .002), and the probiotic mouthwash group from 2.06 ± 0.76 to 1.70 ± 0.55 CFU/mL (∇ = 0.36, p = .015). The control group exhibited a minimal, non-significant reduction (∇ = 0.08, p = .756). Although the reduction was greater in the toothpaste group, the intergroup difference was not statistically significant ( p = .051). Conclusion Both probiotic toothpaste and mouthwash significantly reduced S. mutans levels over 30 days, with toothpaste showing a slightly greater, though not statistically significant, effect. Probiotic-based oral care products may be a viable adjunct for microbial control in orthodontic patients.

ABSTRACTBackground and AimsToday, neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AS), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and multiple sclerosis (MS), contribute significantly to global disability and healthcare burden. Most current treatment options only provide symptomatic relief and are limited by challenges such as drug resistance, systemic side effects, and poor blood‐brain barrier permeability. The growing interest in the gut‐brain axis has encouraged exploration of the gut microbiota as a potential therapeutic target. Probiotics—live microorganisms that may confer health benefits to the host—have been proposed to modulate the gut‐brain axis through immune, metabolic, and neurochemical pathways.MethodsIn this narrative review, a targeted search was performed across multiple databases to identify relevant articles, from which the key relationships and strategies were extracted. Then, we represented the findings to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic and highlight emerging trends and gaps in the literature.ResultsEmerging preclinical and clinical studies suggest that specific probiotic strains can improve neurological symptoms by reducing neuroinflammation, supporting gut barrier integrity, and influencing neurotransmitter production. However, findings remain heterogeneous due to strain specificity, individual microbiome diversity, and methodological differences across studies. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that specific probiotic strains can improve neurological symptoms by reducing neuroinflammation, enhancing gut barrier integrity, and influencing neurotransmitter production. Evidence supports their potential as adjunctive treatments for major neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, ASD, PD, AD, and MS, particularly in patients with gut dysbiosis or gastrointestinal comorbidities. However, findings remain heterogeneous due to strain specificity, individual microbiome variability, and methodological differences across studies.ConclusionThis brief review summarizes the current evidence on the use of probiotics in neurological disorders, discusses potential mechanisms of action, and highlights safety considerations and limitations. Future directions include personalized probiotic therapies, large‐scale randomized controlled trials, and integration with conventional neurological therapies. Overall, probiotics could be a low‐risk, complementary option in the evolving field of neurotherapy, but more rigorous evidence is needed before definitive clinical recommendations can be made.

The global functional food market is expanding rapidly, with probiotics leading this growth due to consumer demand for health-promoting products. These live microorganisms are increasingly incorporated into diverse food matrices, from yogurts to cereals and meats. However, their use as food additives faces significant regulatory complexity. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the scientific and legal frameworks governing probiotics as food additives. It first outlines the scientific basis for probiotics, including their mechanisms of action and the critical importance of strain-specificity and viability. The core of the paper presents a comparative analysis of regulatory approaches by major bodies like the U.S. FDA, the European EFSA, Health Canada, and Japan's MHLW. Key distinctions are made between pathways such as the GRAS notification in the U.S., the QPS approach in the EU, and novel food approvals. A central challenge is the approval of health claims, with the review contrasting EFSA's stringent evidence-based process with the U.S. structure/function system and Japan's FOSHU system. It also discusses challenges in quality control, labeling accuracy, and the lack of global harmonization. The conclusion emphasizes that fragmented legal frameworks act as a bottleneck for innovation. Future progress depends on generating robust clinical evidence and fostering international cooperation to harmonize safety and efficacy guidelines, ensuring consumer confidence and access to beneficial probiotic foods.

With global warming, the aquaculture industry faces many challenges, especially temperature stress, as rising and fluctuating temperatures disrupt aquatic organisms' metabolism, threatening the industry's sustainability. The utilization of probiotics offers a viable solution for dealing with these concerns. This study aimed to explore and evaluate a newly discovered Lactococcus strain as a potential candidate for probiotic application to mitigate the adverse effects of high temperature. Our results showed that the strain of L. lactis L103, displayed promising probiotic attributes. Specifically, it augmented both the weight gain rate and the specific growth rate of Alosa sapidissima. Additionally, a restructuring took place in the intestinal microbial makeup. The relative proportion of beneficial bacteria like Lactococcus and Bacillus increased, while that of the pathogenic Vibrio decreased. The findings from the correlation analysis of environmental elements indicated that TP exerted the most significant influence on the water microbial community. TN was positively correlated with the potentially dominant intestinal bacteria Lactococcus. By modifying the levels of TP and [Formula: see text]-N in water, dietary probiotics were able to exert a particular influence on the microbial community structures both in the aquatic environment and within the intestines of American shad. In conclusion, L. lactis L103 exhibits excellent probiotic potential for juvenile A. sapidissima aquaculture under high-temperature conditions. It promoted fish growth, optimized intestinal microbiota, and regulated the aquatic microbial environment by influencing key nutrient factors (TP, TN). This study provided direct experimental evidence for applying L. lactis L103 as a targeted probiotic to mitigate high-temperature stress in A. sapidissima farming, while offering a practical microbial regulation strategy to enhance the sustainability of this aquaculture sector amid global warming.

To assess the use of boric acid and probiotics among patients treated at a tertiary care vulvovaginal health center. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 206 new patients from October 2024 and January 2025. Participants completed a questionnaire on demographics, vulvovaginal history, self-treatment practices, and a Vulvar Quality of Life Index. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, multivariable logistic regression, and subgroup analyses were performed. Fifty percent of participants reported use of boric acid, and 61.2% used probiotics. Only 2.9% used boric acid for the CDC guideline-recommended duration of >21 days. Among those with vulvovaginal candidiasis or bacterial vaginosis, 62.3% and 55.9%, respectively, reported prior boric acid use. Patients learned about boric acid and probiotics from healthcare providers (63.4% and 55.8%, respectively), followed by social media (29.0% and 24.2%). Primary treatment goals included pH balance, symptom relief, and treating infections. Patients spent an annual average of $397 on their condition, with an average of $23 on boric acid and $9 on probiotics. Higher Vulvar Quality of Life Index scores (p = .042) and being single (p = .015) were independently associated with boric acid use. Boric acid and probiotics are widely used among patients with vulvovaginal conditions requiring tertiary care, almost always with unsupported reasons. Although nearly half of the respondents received treatment recommendations from providers, few reported use aligned with clinical guidelines. Given the significant financial burden and extensive misinformed use, there is a critical need for improved patient education and evidence-based counseling to prevent reliance on ineffective or misleading therapies.

This review explores recent advancements in the management of Helicobacter pylori infection, a widespread bacterial pathogen associated with various gastrointestinal disorders. The paper discusses improved diagnostic techniques, including molecular methods and non-invasive tests, which have enhanced detection accuracy and antibiotic resistance profiling. New treatment strategies, such as individualized therapy based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) and the use of probiotics as adjunctive therapy, are examined. The review also addresses the challenges of antibiotic resistance, highlighting the importance of surveillance and monitoring strategies. Novel antibiotic combinations and non-antibiotic therapies, including antibiofilm agents, are presented as potential solutions. The paper concludes by discussing post-treatment follow-up, management of persistent infections, and considerations for special patient populations. Future directions in Helicobacter pylori management, including emerging technologies and global eradication efforts, are briefly outlined.

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a prevalent iatrogenic complication of antibiotic therapy, primarily triggered by dysbiosis and loss of intestinal homeostasis. The traditional interventions, such as empirical probiotic use, have shown a modest and a heterogeneous efficacy. This review integrates the current mechanistic understanding of AAD through the lens of the microbiota-mucosal-immune axis and provides a comprehensive overview of emerging therapeutic strategies. By integrating evidence from metagenomics, metabolomics, and immunology, we highlight next-generation approaches, including rationally engineered probiotics, standardized fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and synthetic-biology-derived interventions. Recent progress in multi-omics technologies and machine learning has enabled patient-stratified modulation of the gut microbiota, moving beyond empirical supplementation toward precision ecological reprogramming. These advanced therapies demonstrate superior outcomes in restoring microbial diversity, strengthening epithelial barrier function, and re-establishing immunological homeostasis. Ultimately, the management of AAD requires a systems-biology strategy that leverages real-time microbiome analytics for targeted, accurate, and sustainable restoration of gut health.

This study evaluated the effects of a combination of alpha monolaurin (AML) and probiotics (P) as a replacement for the antibiotic growth promoter, Zinc bacitracin (ZnB), on the growth performance and gut microbiota of broilers. Two hundred forty male Cobb broilers (day-old) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments, namely: a control group supplemented with ZnB (1000 g/t) and a treatment group supplemented with AML+P (250 g/t). Each group was replicated ten (10) times with twelve (12) broilers each. The average daily gain and average feed consumption of the broilers were comparable between the two groups, but the feed conversion ratio was superior for those supplemented with AML+P than those supplemented with ZnB. Income over feed cost was higher by 3.71% for AML+P than for the ZnB supplemented broilers. Microbiota analysis of broilers’ digesta (17, 19, 24, 26, and 31 d) showed that AML+P reduced lactic acid bacteria population on day 31 and affected non-detectable population of C. perfringens at any of the measurement periods. Based on the results, AML+P was a satisfactory replacement for ZnB supplement in the broiler diet. Keywords: Gastrointestinal infections, bacitracin, broiler performance, gut health, medium-chain fatty acids, probiotics.

Dietary nitrate, primarily sourced from vegetables, is reduced by oral bacteria to nitrite and subsequently to nitric oxide (NO), a molecule with antimicrobial and immunoregulatory properties, as well as vasodilatory and other cardiometabolic effects. Studies have shown that nitrate supplementation can lower blood pressure, reduce gingival inflammation, and lead to a shift toward microbial eubiosis in the periodontium. However, a paradox arises: nitrate and nitrite-when produced via NO synthase (NOS) activity during chronic inflammation-can serve as biomarkers of periodontitis. This narrative review aims to (1) examine the molecular mechanisms underlying the health benefits of NO, particularly those stimulated by nitrate-rich vegetable intake; and (2) explore how chronic inflammation can alter the local environment leading to nitrate and nitrite accumulation. A targeted literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar to identify articles related to NO, nitrate metabolism, inflammation, and/or periodontitis. Under homeostatic conditions, NO can react with bacterial iron-sulfur clusters, promoting the elimination of sensitive species, and with host soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), activating cGMP signaling pathways that suppress inflammation. In contrast, the inflammatory milieu of periodontitis is characterized by elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free heme, both of which act as NO scavengers, thereby diminishing its bioavailability. Importantly, the reaction of NO with ROS generates various reactive nitrogen species (RNS), which differ functionally from NO. These RNS can be converted into nitrate and/or nitrite (e.g., peroxynitrite, ONOO-, decomposes into nitrate), contributing to their accumulation. Additionally, oxidative stress promotes NOS uncoupling, converting NOS from a NO-producing to a ROS-producing enzyme. Furthermore, periodontitis is associated with an impaired nitrate-reduction capacity of the oral microbiota, further decreasing NO levels. Oxidative stress and reduced NO availability may drive periodontal dysbiosis and contribute to the systemic impact of periodontitis. These disease-related conditions could be mitigated through dietary interventions with nitrate-rich vegetables and adjunctive use of nitrate-reducing probiotics, which warrants further investigation.