Betalains in animal nutrition and health: Importance as animal feed supplements: A review Imen Belhadj Slimen1,2,*, Taha Najar1,2, Wilmer Pacheo3 1Department of Animal, Food and Halieutic Resources, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, 43 Av Charles Nicolle 1082Tunis, Tunisia 2Laboratory of Materials, Molecules and Applications, Preparatory Institute for Scientific and Technical Studies, B.P. 51 2070 La Marsa, Tunis, Tunisia 3Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University, AL36849, United States *Corresponding Author: Belhadj Slimen Imen, Department of Animal, Food and Halieutic Resources, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, 43 Av Charles Nicolle 1082Tunis, Tunisia, Email: belhadj_slimen_imen@yahoo.fr
Online Published on 15 July, 2022. Abstract In recent years, betalain-containing fruits and vegetables have gained increased importance in research and food industry. The extracted betalains are safe to consume and are considered as health promoting molecules. In vitro and in vivo studies highlighted the antioxidant and the biological activities of these pigments. However, the bioavailability of betalains, their ability to protect/treat oxidative stress related diseases and their health promoting properties were investigated using mainly rodents and human models. To enlarge the sphere of application of these pigments, research trials should be extended to farm animals. This paper details the bioavailabilty and the in vivo radical scavenging activity of these molecules and proposes their use as natural animal feed additives for future debate. Top Keywords Animal health, Animal nutrition, Betanin, Bioavailability, Caryophyllales, Indicaxanthin. Top |