Strictly anaerobic, butyrate-producing bacteria in the gut microbiota play an important role in maintaining gut health, but their response to dietary antioxidants remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of ascorbic acid, propyl gallate, ferulic acid, and α-tocopherol on the growth, metabolic activity, and membrane composition of Eubacterium rectale Do2-077. The bacteria were cultured under anaerobic conditions in the presence of different concentrations of antioxidants, and growth was monitored by measuring optical density, metabolic activity by analyzing gas metabolites (H₂, CO₂) and production of short-chain fatty acids, as well as changes in membrane fatty acid profile. The effects varied depending on the type and concentration of antioxidants used. Ascorbic acid had a statistically significant effect on growth and increased H₂ and CO₂ production. Propyl gallate had a stimulating effect at lower concentrations and an inhibitory effect on metabolic activity at higher concentrations, while ferulic acid did not significantly affect growth but altered the fermentation gases ratio. The presence of α-tocopherol was associated with a change in the ratio of fermentation products, particularly with increased formation of acetate and propionate. Changes in the production of butyrate and membrane fatty acid profile were not statistically confirmed, but trends indicated that ascorbic acid, ferulic acid and α-tocopherol may have influenced the membrane composition. Collectively, the results suggest that antioxidants may influence the metabolic activity of the potential next generation probiotic strain E. rectale Do2-077, but the observed effects are limited and require further confirmation with a larger number of replicates.
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