Dietary clinoptilolite influences antioxidant capability and oxidative status of broilers

Natural clinoptilolite has been shown to have positive effects as an antioxidant, which means it traps free radicals in its complex structure, inactivating and eliminating them. Synthetic or modified clinoptilolite delays lipid peroxidation with water-soluble peroxyl radicals, and reduces the catalytic production of radicals to protect the organism. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of natural clinoptilolite and modified clinoptilolite on the antioxidant status of broilers. The antioxidant capability of natural clinoptilolite or modified clinoptilolite is exerted, at least in part, by increasing glutathione content in liver and intestinal mucosa, the superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activity in serum, liver, and intestinal mucosa. In addition, to enhance broiler performance, there is a reduction of the concentration of malondialdehyde in serum, liver, and intestinal mucosa.