Linoleic Acid:Dihomo-γ-Linolenic Acid Ratio Predicts the Efficacy of Zn-Biofortified Wheat in Chicken (Gallus gallus)

The amount of Zn absorbed from Zn-biofortified wheat material has been determined using an <i>in vivo</i> model of Zn absorption. The erythrocyte linoleic:dihomo -γ-linolenic acid (LA:DGLA) ratio was used as a biomarker of Zn status. Two groups of chickens (<i>n</i> = 15) were fed different diets: a high-Zn (46.5 μg Zn g^–1) and a low-Zn wheat-based diet (32.8 μg Zn g^–1). Dietary Zn intakes, body weight, serum Zn, and the erythrocyte fatty acid profile were measured, and tissues were taken for gene expression analysis. Serum Zn concentrations were greater in the high Zn group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Duodenal mRNA expression of various Zn transporters demonstrated expression upregulation in the birds fed a low Zn diet (<i>n</i> = 15, <i>p</i> < 0.05). The LA:DGLA ratio was higher in the birds fed the low Zn diet (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The higher amount of Zn in the biofortified wheat resulted in a greater Zn uptake

Alterations in the Gut (<i>Gallus gallus</i>) Microbiota Following the Consumption of Zinc Biofortified Wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i>)‑Based Diet

The structure and function of cecal microbiota following the consumption of a zinc (Zn) biofortified wheat diet was evaluated in a well-studied animal model of human nutrition (<i>Gallus gallus</i>) during a six-week efficacy trial. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, a significant increase in β- but not α-microbial diversity was observed in the animals receiving the Zn biofortified wheat diet, relative to the control. No significant taxonomic differences were found between the two groups. Linear discriminant analysis revealed a group of metagenomic biomarkers that delineated the Zn replete versus Zn deficient phenotypes, such that enrichment of lactic acid bacteria and concomitant increases in Zn-dependent bacterial metabolic pathways were observed in the Zn biofortified group, and expansion of mucin-degraders and specific bacterial groups able to participate in maintaining host Zn homeostasis were observed in the control group. Additionally, the <i>Ruminococcus</i> genus appeared to be a key player in delineating the Zn replete microbiota from the control group, as it strongly predicts host Zn adequacy. Our data demonstrate that the gut microbiome associated with Zn biofortified wheat ingestion is unique and may influence host Zn status. Microbiota analysis in biofortification trials represents a crucial area for study as Zn biofortified diets are increasingly delivered on a population-wide scale