Effects of Resistant Starch on Symptoms,Fecal Markers,and Gut Microbiota in Parkinson’s Disease — The RESISTA-PD Trial

The composition of the gut microbiota is linked to multiple diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Abundance of bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and fecal SCFA concentrations are reduced in PD. SCFAs exert various beneficial functions in humans. In the interventional, monocentric, open-label clinical trial “Effects of Resistant Starch on Bowel Habits, Short Chain Fatty Acids and Gut Microbiota in Parkinson’s Disease” (RESISTA-PD; ID: NCT02784145), we aimed at altering fecal SCFAs by an 8-week prebiotic intervention with resistant starch (RS). We enrolled 87 subjects in three study-arms: 32 PD patients received RS (PD + RS), 30 control subjects received RS, and 25 PD patients received solely dietary instructions. We performed paired-end 100 bp length metagenomic sequencing of fecal samples using the BGISEQ platform at an average of 9.9 GB. RS was well-tolerated. In the PD + RS group, fecal butyrate concentrations increased significantly, and fecal calprotectin concentrations dropped significantly after 8 weeks of RS intervention. Clinically, we observed a reduction in non-motor symptom load in the PD + RS group. The reference-based analysis of metagenomes highlighted stable alpha-diversity and beta-diversity across the three groups, including bacteria producing SCFAs. Reference-free analysis suggested punctual, yet pronounced differences in the metagenomic signature in the PD + RS group. RESISTA-PD highlights that a prebiotic treatment with RS is safe and well-tolerated in PD. The stable alpha-diversity and beta-diversity alongside altered fecal butyrate and calprotectin concentrations call for long-term studies, also investigating whether RS is able to modify the clinical course of PD.     

Fermentation of prebiotics by human colonic microbiota in vitro and short-chain fatty acids production: a critical review

Prebiotics are known for their health benefits to man, including reducing cardiovascular disease and improving gut health. This review takes a critical assessment of the impact of dietary fibres and prebiotics on the gastrointestinal microbiota in vitro. The roles of colonic organisms, slow fermentation of prebiotics, production of high butyric and propionic acids and positive modulation of the host health were taken into cognizance. Also, the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) molecular signalling mechanisms associated with their prebiotic substrate structural conformations and the phenotypic responses related to the gut microbes composition were discussed. Furthermore, common dietary fibres such as resistant starch, pectin, hemicelluloses, β-glucan and fructan in context of their prebiotic potentials for human health were also explained. Finally, the in vitro human colonic fermentation depends on prebiotic type and its physicochemical characteristics, which will then affect the rate of fermentation, selectivity of micro-organisms to multiply, and SCFAs concentrations and compositions.     

The Effect of Synbiotic Supplementation on Growth Parameters in Mild to Moderate FTT Children Aged 2–5 Years

Synbiotic (probiotic bacteria and prebiotic) has beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal tract. This study was designed to investigate the effect of synbiotic supplementation on the growth of mild to moderate failure to thrive (FTT) children. A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted involving 80 children aged 2–5 years with mild to moderate FTT, who were assigned at random to receive synbiotic supplementation (10⁹ colony-forming units) or placebo for 30 days. The weights, height, and BMI were recorded in a structured diary, and the questionnaires were completed to monitor the numbers of infection episodes, gastrointestinal problems, admission to hospital, and appetite improvement during the study. Sixty-nine children completed the study. There were no differences in the demographic characteristic between the two groups. The mean weight was similar at baseline. After 30 days of intervention, the mean weight of the participants in the synbiotic group increased significantly than those in the placebo group (600?±?37 vs. 74?±?32 g/month P 0.000). BMI changes in synbiotic and placebo group were 0.44 and 0.07 kg/m², and that the differences among the two groups were significant.(P 0.045) Furthermore, the height increment in synbiotic and placebo group was 0.41 and 0.37 cm respectively with no significant difference (P 0.761). Administration of 30-day synbiotic supplementation may significantly improve weight and BMI in Iranian children with mild to moderate FTT, but there is no effect on the height in this study. Further studies should be designed to found out the effect of synbiotic on growth parameters in undernourished and well-nourished children.

     

A 60-s postconditioning protocol by percutaneous coronary intervention inhibits myocardial apoptosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Different postconditioning (Postcon) methods have been demonstrated to protect heart from ischemia/reperfusion injury. The relationship between Postcon by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and apoptosis is not clear. Our objective was to test whether Postcon by PCI in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) reduces myocardial apoptosis. Seventy-five patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups before stenting. The Routine group (n = 26) received no Postcon intervention prior to the onset of reperfusion; Postcon-30s (n = 25) and Postcon-60s groups (n = 24) underwent three cycles of 30- or 60-s balloon deflation and 30- or 60-s inflation. Additionally, 34 normal controls (NC) were enrolled in the study. Plasma concentrations of soluble Fas/APO-1 ([sFas]) and Fas ligand ([sFasL]) were determined at baseline and 7 days after PCI via ELISA. The [sFas] and [sFasL] in AMI patients were significantly elevated at baseline as compared with NC (P < 0.01), and showed an upward trend in the Routine group, a slightly upward trend in Postcon-30s, and a downward trend in Postcon-60s at 7 days. Comparison among the three groups showed significant differences (P < 0.05, 3.8 vs. 4.6 vs. 5.1 ng ml⁻¹). The [sFasL] in Postcon-60s was significantly decreased at 7 days (P < 0.05, 3.9 vs. 3.1 ng ml⁻¹) compared with baseline, but not Postcon-30s and Routine. More importantly, Postcon-60s group had the lowest [sFasL], followed by Postcon-30s, which had a lower value than Routine at 7 days (P < 0.05, 3.1 vs.3.7 vs. 4.2 ng ml⁻¹). Our results suggest that Postcon-60s was visibly better than Postcon-30s, which in turn was better than Routine for inhibition of the effects of myocardial apoptosis and reduction of reperfusion injury in patients with acute myocardial infarction.     

Mykoplasmaähnliche Organismen in Früchten proliferationskranker Apfelbäume Kurze Mitteilung

The potential of an in vitro technique to study root‐knot nematode infection on banana roots was investigated. Regenerated banana plants were placed horizontally on Gamborg B5 (GB5)‐medium and incubated under a light‐dark regime of 16h‐8h. Temperature fluctuated between 24 and 33 °C. Banana roots were inoculated with Meloidogyne incognita race 1 coming from roots of a transgenic tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Moneymaker) grown on GB5‐medium at 28 °C in complete darkness. Root‐knots appeared on primary and secondary banana roots two to seven days after nematode inoculation. After 28 days, egg masses protruded through the cortex and two days later juveniles hatched and reinfected banana roots. This method holds promise for dynamic studies of banana root infection with root‐knot nematodes.     

Impact of beta-glucan on the faecal microbiota of polypectomized patients: a pilot study

Beta-glucans are polysaccharides present in the cell walls of higher plants, in the seeds of some cereals, and certain yeasts and fungi also produce them. It is suggested that they exhibit, among many other health benefits, protective effects against carcinogenesis in the colon, but there is not enough human data to support this. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of barley-derived beta-glucan in the gut microbiota of polypectomized patients. Subjects were randomly assigned to consume 125 g of bread per day with beta-glucan (3 g/d), or without (placebo group), for 3 months. Thirty-three polypectomized men and women (mean age 57.6 years) were recruited into the study, but only 20 completed. Subjects did not consume any probiotics, prebiotics or antibiotics 2 months prior the intervention, or during the study. Stool samples were collected at baseline, on days 30 and 90 of intervention, as well as 2 weeks after the intervention, for enumeration of total aerobes and anaerobes, coliforms, E. coli, enterococci, Bacteroides spp., Clostridium perfringens, bifidobacteria, lactobacilli and Candida spp. Faecal bacterial enzyme activity (beta-glucuronidase and beta-glucosidase), pH, faecal moisture and the concentration of volatile fatty acids in the faeces were measured. Gastrointestinal symptoms were also recorded. Overall, no significant differences were observed in bacterial viable counts between the two feeding groups. Group specific analysis for β-glucan group revealed significantly decreased total coliform counts on the 30th day of the trial compared to the baseline (p = 0.041). Clostridium perfringens concentration increased without reaching statistical significance, on the 30th day, while it decreased significantly on the 90th day of the intervention compared to the 30th day (p = 0.016). An increase was noted in the molar ratio of acetate on the 90th day of the trial compared to placebo (p = 0.018). The molar ratio of butyrate presented a trend to increase on the 30th day, which decreased (p = 0.013) on the 90th day and then increase 2 weeks after the intervention (p = 0.017) compared to placebo. A decrease was recorded in the β-glucan group in the bloating and abdominal pain score after the 30th day of the intervention (Day 30–37) compared to placebo. During β-glucan administration we did not observe any changes on beta-glucuronidase or beta-glucosidase activity, faecal pH, or on faecal moisture.     

Improved Viability of Microencapsulated Probiotics in a Freeze-Dried Banana Powder During Storage and Under Simulated Gastrointestinal Tract

Freeze-dried banana powder represents an ideal source of nutrients and has not yet been used for probiotic incorporation. In this study, microencapsulation by freeze drying of probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei was made using whey protein isolate (WPI), fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and their combination (WPI + FOS) at ratio (1:1). Higher encapsulation yield was found for (WPI + FOS) microspheres (98%). Further, microcapsules of (WPI + FOS) were used to produce a freeze-dried banana powder which was analyzed for bacterial viability under simulated gastrointestinal fluid (SGIF), stability during storage at 4 °C and 25 °C, and chemical and sensory properties. Results revealed that (WPI + FOS) microcapsules significantly increased bacteria stability in the product over 30 days of storage at 4 °C averaging (≥ 8.57 log CFU/g) for L. acidophilus and (≥ 7.61 log CFU/g) for L. Casei as compared to free cells. Bacteria encapsulated in microspheres (WPI + FOS) were not significantly affected by the SGIF, remaining stable up to 7.05 ± 0.1 log CFU/g for L.acidophilus and 5.48 ± 0.1 log CFU/g for L.casei after 90 min of incubation at pH 2 compared to free cells which showed minimal survival. Overall, encapsulated probiotics enriched freeze-dried banana powders received good sensory scores; they can therefore serve as safe probiotics food carriers.

     

Genome ancestry mosaics reveal multiple and cryptic contributors to cultivated banana

Hybridizations between closely related species commonly occur in the domestication process of many crops. Banana cultivars are derived from such hybridizations between species and subspecies of the Musa genus that have diverged in various tropical Southeast Asian regions and archipelagos. Among the diploid and triploid hybrids generated, those with seedless parthenocarpic fruits were selected by humans and thereafter dispersed through vegetative propagation. Musa acuminata subspecies contribute to most of these cultivars. We analyzed sequence data from 14 M. acuminata wild accessions and 10 M. acuminata‐based cultivars, including diploids and one triploid, to characterize the ancestral origins along their chromosomes. We used multivariate analysis and single nucleotide polymorphism clustering and identified five ancestral groups as contributors to these cultivars. Four of these corresponded to known M. acuminata subspecies. A fifth group, found only in cultivars, was defined based on the ‘Pisang Madu’ cultivar and represented two uncharacterized genetic pools. Diverse ancestral contributions along cultivar chromosomes were found, resulting in mosaics with at least three and up to five ancestries. The commercially important triploid Cavendish banana cultivar had contributions from at least one of the uncharacterized genetic pools and three known M. acuminata subspecies. Our results highlighted that cultivated banana origins are more complex than expected – involving multiple hybridization steps – and also that major wild banana ancestors have yet to be identified. This study revealed the extent to which admixture has framed the evolution and domestication of a crop plant.     

Differential expression of pathogenesis-related proteins and defense enzymes in banana: interaction between endophytic bacteria,Banana bunchy top virus and Pentalonia nigronervosa

Banana bunchy top disease caused by Banana bunchy top virus is the most serious viral disease of banana and plantain worldwide. The virus is transmitted by the aphid vector Pentalonia nigronervosa in a persistent manner. This paper deals with the effect of the interaction between plant growth promoting endophytic bacteria, Banana bunchy top virus, and the banana aphid Pentalonia nigronervosa in the expression of Pathogenesis-related proteins (PR-proteins) and defense enzymes in banana. The existence of virus in the aphids was confirmed by ELISA, DIBA and PCR. PCR could amplify 1100-bp replicase gene of BBTV from viruliferous aphids. A significant increase in the enzymatic activity of all measured PR proteins and defense enzymes, as compared to control plants, was seen in the plants inoculated with endophytic bacteria and challenged with viruliferous aphids. Native gel electrophoresis revealed expression of more isoforms of PR proteins viz., peroxidase and chitinase in the banana plants challenged with mixtures of plant growth promoting endophytic bacteria and viruliferous aphids. Enhanced activity of a PR-2 protein viz., β-1,3-glucanase was also noticed in the viruliferous aphids infested plants. Some of the defense-related enzymes viz., Polyphenol oxidase and Phenylalanine ammonia lyase and phenolic compounds were also upregulated, up to 5 days after aphid infestation and thereafter there was a reduction in the enzymatic activity. Thus, there exist a differential accumulation of PR proteins and defense-related enzymes, when there is tri-tropic interaction between endophytic bacteria, virus, and insect and the role of the endophytic bacteria in the defense mechanisms against insect pests needs to be elucidated.     

Effects of Resistant Starch on Symptoms,Fecal Markers,and Gut Microbiota in Parkinson’s Disease — The RESISTA-PD Trial

The composition of the gut microbiota is linked to multiple diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Abundance of bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and fecal SCFA concentrations are reduced in PD. SCFAs exert various beneficial functions in humans. In the interventional, monocentric, open-label clinical trial “Effects of Resistant Starch on Bowel Habits, Short Chain Fatty Acids and Gut Microbiota in Parkinson’sDisease” (RESISTA-PD; ID: {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT02784145","term_id":"NCT02784145"}}NCT02784145), we aimed at altering fecal SCFAs by an 8-week prebiotic intervention with resistant starch (RS). We enrolled 87 subjects in three study-arms: 32 PD patients received RS (PD + RS), 30 control subjects received RS, and 25 PD patients received solely dietary instructions. We performed paired-end 100 bp length metagenomic sequencing of fecal samples using the BGISEQ platform at an average of 9.9 GB. RS was well-tolerated. In the PD + RS group, fecal butyrate concentrations increased significantly, and fecal calprotectin concentrations dropped significantly after 8 weeks of RS intervention. Clinically, we observed a reduction in non-motor symptom load in the PD + RS group. The reference-based analysis of metagenomes highlighted stable alpha-diversity and beta-diversity across the three groups, including bacteria producing SCFAs. Reference-free analysis suggested punctual, yet pronounced differences in the metagenomic signature in the PD + RS group. RESISTA-PD highlights that a prebiotic treatment with RS is safe and well-tolerated in PD. The stable alpha-diversity and beta-diversity alongside altered fecal butyrate and calprotectin concentrations call for long-term studies, also investigating whether RS is able to modify the clinical course of PD.     

Growth promoter,immune response,and histopathological change of prebiotic,probiotic and synbiotic bacteria on Nile tilapia

This study aimed at determining the influence of prebiotic, probiotic, and synbiotic supplemented diets on Oreochromis niloticus. Fish with initial body weight (25.8 ± 1.2) g and length range from (13.5 ± 1.5) cm were collected and randomized to four dietary treatments for 60 days. Furthermore, fish were divided into three groups in triplicate; A0 control (-ve), A1 control (+ve) infected with V.anguillarium, and a third non-treated group. Moreover, the third group further separated into two groups, A and B. Group (A) was treated with prebiotic, probiotic, and symbiotic (A2, A3, and A4), while group (B) was infected with V.anguillarium then treated with prebiotic, probiotic and symbiotic (A5, A6, and A7). The results revealed that all treatments supplemented with synbiotics represented highly significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in (SGR), BWG percentage, relative growth rate (%), lysozyme activity, IMG, SOD, and CAT. At the same time, they exhibited a significant decrease in MAD and FCR. Besides, fish that feed dietary supplementation with prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics revealed a significant increase in RBCs, WBCs, and Hb. In contrast, they showed a significant decrease in ALT, AST, albumin, total protein, globulin, creatinine, and urea compared with control. Additionally, high survival rates were recorded in groups that received a diet supplemented with probiotics, followed by prebiotics and synbiotics.     

Silage making of maize stover and banana pseudostem under South Ethiopian conditions: evolution of pH,dry matter and microbiological profile

The study was conducted to evaluate the microbial dynamics during silage of maize stover and banana pseudostem in the environmental conditions of southern Ethiopia. To meet this objective, microsilos containing either maize stover or banana pseudostem, both with and without molasses, were prepared. Subsequently, samples were analysed on day 0, 7, 14, 30, 60 and 90 of the fermentation process. As a result, on day 7, all treatments except banana pseudostem without molasses showed a significant reduction in pH. It was also this silage type that supported the growth of Enterobacteriaceae longer than three other silage types, i.e. until 30 days. The yeasts and moulds and the Clostridum endospore counts also showed a reducing trend in early fermentation and afterwards remained constant until day 90. Illumina MiSeq sequencing revealed that Leuconostoc, Buttiauxella species and Enterobacteriaceae were the most abundant bacteria in the initial phases of the fermentation. Later on, Buttiauxella, Lactobacillus, Weissella and Bifidobacterium species were found to be dominant. In conclusion, silage of the two crop by-products is possible under South Ethiopian conditions. For banana pseudostem, the addition of molasses is crucial for a fast fermentation, in contrast to maize. Upscaling needs to be investigated for the two by-products.     

Influence of Dietary Copper Methionine Concentrations on Growth Performance,Digestibility of Nutrients,Serum Lipid Profiles,and Immune Defenses in Broilers

A 42-day experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of dietary copper (Cu) concentrations on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and serum parameters in broilers aged from 1 to 42 days. Five hundred forty 1-day-old broilers were randomly assigned into 1 of the following 6 dietary treatments: (1) control (basal diet without supplemental Cu), (2) 15 mg/kg supplemental Cu (Cu15), (3) 30 mg/kg supplemental Cu (Cu30), (4) 60 mg/kg supplemental Cu (Cu60), (5) 120 mg/kg supplemental Cu (Cu120), and (6) 240 mg/kg supplemental Cu (Cu240), Cu as copper methionine. A 4-day metabolism trial was conducted during the last week of the experiment feeding. The results showed that dietary Cu supplementation increased the average daily gain and the average daily feed intake (P < 0.01). The feed gain ratio, however, was not affected by dietary Cu (P > 0.10). Additionally, dietary Cu supplementation increased the digestibility of fat and energy (P < 0.05). The concentration of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased with dietary Cu supplementation (P < 0.05). The activities of serum Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (P < 0.05), glutathione peroxidase (P < 0.05), and ceruloplasmin (P = 0.09), on the contrary, were increased by Cu addition. For immune indexes, dietary Cu supplementation increased serum IgA and IgM (P < 0.05). In addition, the activities of serum ALT increased with increasing dietary Cu supplementation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our data suggest that Cu supplementation can increase fat digestibility and promote growth. Additionally, dietary Cu supplementation can reduce serum cholesterol and enhance antioxidant capacity in broilers.

     

Prebiotic potential and gastrointestinal effects of immature wheat grain (IWG) biscuits

In this study the effects of immature wheat grains (IWG), a natural source of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), on intestinal microbiota and gastrointestinal function were evaluated. Ileal effluents from three ileostomates were collected for 8 h after IWG-enriched or Control biscuit administration, and then fermented in vitro with human faecal inoculum. On fermentation broths, microbial counts and SCFA were measured. Moreover, we investigated the effect of IWG biscuits on gastric emptying. Twelve healthy volunteers underwent ultrasound measurement of gastric emptying of a standard meal consumed 5 h after a breakfast composed by lactose-free milk and IWG or Control biscuits; hunger and satiety sensations were also evaluated in this period. Bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria counts were higher (P < 0.05) in IWG than in Control cultures, supporting the prebiotic effects of IWG, probably linked to its FOS content; moreover IWG fermentation produced more acetate. In vivo IWG biscuits delayed gastric emptying of the next meal (P < 0.05), decreased hunger (P < 0.001) and increased satiety (P < 0.005). Therefore in vitro results substantiate the potential of IWG as a prebiotic ingredient and in vivo data suggest an effect of IWG on gastric emptying and on persistent satiety. These preliminary data tend to support the use of IWG in formulating functional prebiotic products suitable to promote satiety.     

Survival of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota in the intestines of healthy Chinese adults

Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) is a widely used probiotic strain with health benefits. In this study, the survival of LcS in the intestines of healthy Chinese adults was assessed and the effects of LcS on stool consistency, stool SCFAs and intestinal microbiota evaluated. Subjects consumed 100 mL per day of a probiotic beverage containing 1.0 × 10⁸ CFU/mL of LcS for 14 days. LcS were enumerated using a culture method and the colony identity confirmed by ELISA. Fourteen days after ingestion, the amount of LcS recovered from fecal samples was between 6.86 ± 0.80 and 7.17 ± 0.57 Log₁₀ CFU/g of feces (mean ± SD). The intestinal microbiotas were analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Principal component analysis showed that consuming LcS significantly changed fecal microbiota profiles. According to redundancy analysis, the amounts of 25 bacterial strains were significantly correlated with LcS intake (P < 0.05), 11 of them positively and fourteen negatively. Concentrations of acetic acid and propionic acid in feces were significantly lower during the ingestion period than during the baseline period (P < 0.05). These results confirm that LcS can survive passage through the gastrointestinal tract of Chinese people; however, they were found to have little ability to persist once their consumption had ceased. Furthermore, consumption of probiotic beverages containing LcS can modulate the composition of the intestinal microbiota on a long‐term basis, resulting in decreased concentrations of SCFAs in the gut.     

Frequent Consumption of Selenium-Enriched Chicken Meat by Adults Causes Weight Loss and Maintains Their Antioxidant Status

To assess the effects of a moderately high-protein intake on the body composition, biochemical, and antioxidant status parameters in young adults depending on either selenium- (Se) or non-enriched chicken consumption. The volunteers (n = 24) that completed the 10-week nutritional intervention were distributed in two parallel groups and randomly assigned to follow an isocaloric diet with moderately high content in protein (30% energy), either with the consumption of four 200 g portions/week of Se- or non-enriched chicken breasts. Blood samples were taken at the beginning and at the end of the study and body composition was monitored during the trial. There was a significant reduction in weight, accompanying a decrease on fat mass in both groups, while fat-free mass remained unchanged during the 10 weeks of intervention, without differences between both dietary groups. Selenium blood levels and plasma glutathione peroxidase activity, as well as lipid, glucose, and selected inflammation biomarkers remained stable during the intervention period in both dietary groups. Frequent chicken consumption, within a controlled diet with a moderately high content in protein, produced a slight but statistically significant weight reduction mainly due to the loss of fat mass. An extra Se supplementation (22 μg/day) in the Se-enriched chicken breast did not affect tachyphylactic antioxidant status of the participants neither inflammatory-related markers after weight loss.     

The effects of dietary Betaplus® and TechnoMos® on growth performance,blood parameters,and intestinal microflora in juvenile kutum,Rutilus kutum (Kamensky, 1901)

The main goal of the current study was to assess the combined effects of a dietary probiotic Betaplus and prebiotic TechnoMos on growth performance, blood biochemical parameters, and intestinal microflora in juvenile Rutilus kutum. Four experimental diets were prepared with the addition of Betaplus and/or TechnoMos to a basal diet for R. kutum juveniles. The diets were randomly assigned to one of 12 tanks, with three replications per diet. The results showed that supplementation of both pro‐ and prebiotic, separately or in combination, improved fish growth parameters (p < .05). These additives also reduced fish mortality rates, either alone or in combination (p < .05). Protein content of the carcass increased by an addition of Betaplus (p < .05), but Betaplus supplementation reduced the fat content of the carcass (p < .05). Bacillus leicheniformis and B. subtilis counts were elevated by the addition of Betaplus and TechnoMos, with even a larger bacterial count observed in fish fed a mixed diet of pro‐ and prebiotics (p < .05). White blood cell counts increased with both pro‐ and prebiotic supplementations. Glucose and cortisol levels significantly decreased with the administration of Betaplus and TechnoMos, and the mixed treatment showed the lowest estimate of these parameters (p < .05). In conclusion, a better performance of juvenile R. kutum fed a diet mixture of Betaplus and TechnoMos is probably related to the elevation of Lactobacillus counts in the fish gut, which improves the digestive performance.