Arabinoxylans in piglet nutrition: a review of impacts and mechanisms on gut health and microbiota regulation

Arabinoxylans (AX), the primary hemicellulose found in cereals and grasses, play a crucial role in regulating immunity, metabolism and various physiological processes, underscoring their value as essential components in dietary nutrition. Considering the extensive research on AX in piglet nutrition, this paper systematically reviews their impacts on gut health and microbiota in piglets, as well as the underlying mechanisms of action. AX have been shown to mediate gut barrier fortification through tight junction protein upregulation and orchestrate mucosal immunity homeostasis, consequently ameliorating early-weaning-associated diarrheal pathogenesis in piglets. Additionally, AX function as microbial ecological modulators through selective enrichment of beneficial commensal microbiota (e.g. <i>Bifidobacterium</i> spp. and <i>Lactobacillus</i> spp.), while simultaneously stimulating microbial biosynthesis of SCFA and ferulic acid exhibiting potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, thereby maintaining the intestinal health of piglets. This review offers valuable insights into their potential as a dietary intervention to support gut health and immune function in early-weaned piglets. However, most studies focus on single-source AX such as wheat or maize, with limited exploration of novel sources or comparative effects of source combinations. Future research should systematically investigate the molecular mechanisms of AX action, provide data-driven guidance for selecting AX sources in feed formulations and establish optimal inclusion levels in practical feeding regimens. Such efforts will further solidify the precision nutrition potential of AX in promoting sustainable and healthy growth in piglets.