ISSUE FOCUS 66 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE November 2025 use. This is achieved because polyphenols operate at several levels within the cell of the target organ. In the present case, the target is the intestine and more specifically the enterocyte. The following paragraphs contain a descriptive mode of action of polyphenols in the intestinal environment. Initially, polyphenols quench Reactive Oxygen Species (free radicals). If ROS build-up is the originating step of the issues involved in post-weaning stress, reducing the amount of radicals will diminish their impact on some cell components. The quenching of radicals preserves the antioxidant enzymatic system. There is less need of using catalase, superoxide dismutase o glutathione peroxidase to control free radicals, and less risk of exhausting them in highly oxidative situations. Quenching of ROS also inhibit the activation of NF-κB and MAPK pathways, thus protecting the intestinal barrier function, and decreasing the encoding of inflammatory cytokines. In addition, polyphenols activate an oxidation protective pathway named Nfr2, that encodes new antioxidant enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1. These enzymes block the synthesis of inflammatory cytokines and help reducing the immunity disruption caused by them. Other polyphenols collectively act upon E. coli associated diarrhea, either by preventing fimbriae adhesion to the enterocyte, or disrupting the adhesion of LT toxin to its ganglioside receptor in the cell membrane of the enterocyte. In both instances, the outcome is reduced intestine colonization by Escherichia coli, and substantial decrease of post-weaning diarrhea. As a global leader of botanical extracts, Layn supplies the swine industry with high quality, polyphenol-rich extracts targeted to the specific issues that arise immediately after weaning. TruGro CGA is a powerful metabolic antioxidant recommended for high health swine units, where microbial diarrhea is not a pressing issue. Its focus is on reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation, modulating the local immunity and reinforcing the intestinal barrier. It favors the acceptance and digestion of early weaning feed, resulting in faster body weight gain. On the other hand, TruGro PW targets E. coli diarrhea. While also reducing the oxidative stress, it prevents the adhesion of LT toxin to its receptor, avoiding water influx into the intestinal lumen, a major cause of diarrhea. Other polyphenols in its composition capture water, increasing the dry matter content of intestinal digesta and contributing to reducing diarrhea cases. Experimentation with TruGro PW has shown 60% to 80% reduction of diarrhea rate for the three first weeks of weaning. TruGro CGA and PW are useful tools intended for an efficient and profitable piglet rearing. About Juan Javierre Senior Nutrition Scientist at Layn Natural Ingredients, Juan Javierre is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, as well as a nutritionist and researcher. Javierre has over 30 years of experience in animal production in Europe, the Americas, Southeast Asia, and China. Photo: didesign021 | Shutterstock
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