Ellagic acid in poultry nutrition: emerging roles in gut health, immunity, and sustainable production.

Summary

This systematic review evaluates ellagic acid (EA), a polyphenolic compound found in pomegranate, berries and walnuts, as a potential phytogenic feed additive for poultry. The review synthesises evidence for EA's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities, and its effects on growth performance, feed efficiency and meat quality. Whilst emerging nutrigenomic evidence suggests promising mechanisms through regulation of oxidative stress, inflammatory signalling and gut microbiota, practical application remains limited by variable bioavailability, dose optimisation uncertainties and insufficient long-term evidence.

Regional applicability

This review is not geographically specific and addresses global poultry production systems. Findings are potentially transferable to United Kingdom poultry production, particularly for developing natural alternatives to growth-promoting antibiotics now restricted under UK and EU regulations. However, practical implementation would require UK-specific research on bioavailability, optimal dosing, and cost-effectiveness relative to existing feed additives.

Key measures

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory markers, intestinal barrier function, gut microbial composition, gene expression (immunity, metabolism, antioxidant defence, intestinal function), growth performance, feed efficiency, meat quality, product stability.

Outcomes reported

This systematic review synthesises evidence on the physiological, immunological, and productive effects of ellagic acid (EA) supplementation in poultry, examining its role as a natural alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. It evaluates mechanisms including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities, alongside impacts on growth performance, feed efficiency, meat quality, and gut microbiota composition.

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