A közepes szénláncú zsírsavak és trigliceridek élettani hatásai, valamint lehetséges felhasználásuk a baromfi- és sertéstakarmányozásban : Irodalmi összefoglaló

Abstract

The medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), having 6-12 carbon atoms (caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, and lauric acid) are esterified to a glycerol backbone forming the medium-chain-triglycerides (MCT). Coconut oil, palm/palm kernel oil, and fat of the black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) are rich in these fatty acids. MCFAs/MCTs display antibacterial activity against e.g. Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, Clostridium perfringens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, however, the in vivo results are contra- dictory. Accordingly, MCFAs have an impact on the gut microbiota. The antiviral effects are less investigated, but in vitro MCFAs showed antiviral activity against Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea Virus, African Swine Fever and Vesicular Stomatitis Virus. MCFAs are not effective against non-enveloped viruses. They also have antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and Fusarium spp. MCFAs have shorter chain lengths, bile is not needed for their hydrolysis, thus they are directly transported via the hepatic portal vein to the liver. MCFAs can enter the mitochondria without L-carnitine, accordingly, they are quickly metabolized in the body serving as an immediate energy source. MCFAs are anti-inflammatory and can improve gut morphology (e.g.: the number of goblet cells and the intestinal villi height increases) and the gut barrier. MCFAs improve insulin sensitivity and can improve cognitive function and have anti-convulsant effects in epileptic patients. Studies on poultries and pigs showed that MCT supplementation (0.25–15% in the diet) might improve weight gain, feed conversion ratio, gut microbiota, and gut morphology. However, the results of in vivo experiments are contradictory; no adverse effects were shown. A higher (>8%) inclusion level of MCFAs decreases the palatability of the feed and, accordingly, leads to lower feed intake. Further animal studies are needed to determine the optimal inclusion rate of MCFA/MCT.