Pronutrients: Mechanism of action

This conference was exposed by Drs. Anna Tesouro and Cristina Latasa at the Biovet International Symposium, held from October 27 to 31 in Córdoba (Spain). This study presents the mechanism of action of pronutrients, a new technology researched by Biovet S.A. This are molecules of botanical origin that aim to reduce the use of chemical additives, improving the physiology of animals and maintaining production parameters.

The present study gives us a description of pronutrients, their mechanism of action as well as  in vitro studies carried out by Biovet to demonstrate their effects. Some techniques of molecular biology and cell cultures have demostrated the beneficial effect of pronutrients on the replication of different target cells .

What is a pronutrient?

Gordon Rosen defined the concept of pronutriente, already in 1950, as a “micro-ingredient included in feed in relatively small quantities whose mission is to improve animal physiology and intrinsic nutritional value and avoid the presence of pathogens.”

Pronutrients are complex organic molecules derived from plant extracts that are able to stimulate gene expression and regulate physiology without having pharmacological effect. It also leaves no residue, nor does it require a period of suppression.

Its application improves animal physiology and has a positive impact on management and economic parameters.

Vegetal-animal cells relation

Shikimic Acid

Shikimic Acid is exclusive of plants, leads to the synthesis of the key aromatic amino acids phenylalanine and tryptophan (essential aminoacids).

The final product of shikimate pathway is chorismate, precursor of different biosynthetic pathways of aromatic metabolites as lignin, flavonoids, alkaloids, quinones or folates.

Pronutrients are different shikimic acid derivatives, which have a particularly important role in animal’s physiology.

Pronutrients obtainment

Physiological mechanism

• Not all the genetic information is read: need of an external stimulus.
• Pronutrients in feed can improve physiology by increasing gene expression

More information and tests about the Mechanism of Action of Pronutrients.