Scientists tested whether porcini mushrooms could improve the gut health of farmed Atlantic salmon. Using a special lab model that mimics a salmon’s digestive system, they found that porcini mushroom extract helped the fish’s gut bacteria work better. The mushroom extract increased helpful bacteria diversity, improved how well the fish absorbed nutrients, and reduced toxic waste buildup in the digestive system. These results suggest that adding porcini mushrooms to salmon feed could be a natural way to keep farmed fish healthier and help them grow better.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether porcini mushroom extract could improve the gut bacteria and digestion of Atlantic salmon by testing it in an artificial stomach-like system
  • Who participated: No live fish were used in this study. Instead, researchers used a laboratory model that simulates how a salmon’s digestive system works, allowing them to test the mushroom extract safely and precisely
  • Key finding: When porcini mushroom extract was added to the simulated salmon gut, it increased the variety of helpful bacteria, boosted the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids (like acetate and propionate), and improved how well the salmon could absorb nutrients and digest protein
  • What it means for you: This research suggests that porcini mushrooms could be a natural, plant-based ingredient to add to farmed salmon feed to keep the fish healthier. However, this is early-stage research done in a lab model, so more testing in actual fish is needed before farms can use it

The Research Details

Researchers used a special laboratory tool called SalmoSim, which is an artificial model designed to mimic exactly how a salmon’s digestive system works. This model contains the same types of bacteria found in real salmon guts and allows scientists to test new ingredients safely without using live animals. The team added porcini mushroom extract at different concentrations to this artificial gut system and measured what happened to the bacteria, nutrients, and waste products over time. This approach lets researchers see detailed changes in the gut environment that would be harder to observe in living fish.

Using an artificial gut model is important because it allows researchers to study how food ingredients affect digestion in a controlled way without harming animals. The results from this type of lab work can guide future studies in real fish and help aquaculture farms decide which natural ingredients might improve fish health and growth. This is especially valuable for the salmon farming industry, which is always looking for ways to raise healthier fish more sustainably.

This study was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, meaning other experts reviewed the work before publication. The artificial gut model used (SalmoSim) is a recognized research tool that accurately represents salmon digestion. However, because this is laboratory work and not a study with live fish, the results are preliminary and need confirmation through additional research with actual salmon before practical use on farms

What the Results Show

When porcini mushroom extract was added to the artificial salmon gut, several positive changes occurred. First, the variety and diversity of gut bacteria increased, which is generally a sign of a healthier digestive system. Second, the bacteria produced more beneficial short-chain fatty acids, particularly acetate and propionate, which are important for gut health and energy. Third, ammonia levels decreased significantly, which is important because ammonia is a toxic waste product that can harm fish if it builds up. The 10% concentration of mushroom extract showed the best results overall.

The research also found that porcini mushroom extract improved how well the salmon could absorb amino acids (the building blocks of protein) and increased the digestibility of crude protein. This means the fish’s body could use more of the nutrients in their food, which could lead to better growth and health. The mushroom extract appeared to work by feeding the beneficial bacteria in the gut, allowing them to thrive and produce more of the helpful compounds that support fish health.

Other functional mushrooms have been studied as natural feed additives for farmed fish and have shown similar benefits. This research is the first to specifically test porcini mushrooms with Atlantic salmon, filling a gap in the scientific knowledge. The findings align with what scientists have learned about how mushrooms can support gut health in other fish species, suggesting that porcini mushrooms may be a valuable addition to the list of natural prebiotic ingredients for aquaculture.

This study used an artificial laboratory model rather than live salmon, so the results may not perfectly match what happens in real fish. The research was conducted in controlled lab conditions that may not reflect the complexity of a living fish’s digestive system or how the mushroom extract would work when mixed with complete fish feed. Additionally, the study did not test different types of porcini mushroom preparations or compare the results to other mushroom species, so more research is needed to determine the best way to use this ingredient in actual fish farming

The Bottom Line

Based on this laboratory research, porcini mushroom extract appears promising as a natural feed additive for salmon farming (moderate confidence level). However, these results need to be confirmed through studies with live salmon before farms should adopt this practice. The 10% concentration showed the best results in this lab model and could be a starting point for future research

This research is most relevant to salmon farmers, aquaculture companies, and fish feed manufacturers looking for natural ways to improve fish health and growth. It may also interest people concerned about sustainable and natural farming practices. However, consumers buying salmon at the grocery store should not expect immediate changes, as this technology is still in early research stages

If this research leads to practical use on farms, benefits would likely appear gradually over several weeks as the fish’s gut bacteria adjust to the new ingredient. Visible improvements in fish growth and health would probably take several months to become noticeable

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If you’re involved in fish farming, track weekly measurements of fish growth rate, feed conversion efficiency (how much feed produces how much growth), and any visible signs of improved health or reduced disease
  • For aquaculture professionals: Consider documenting your current feed ingredients and fish health metrics, then use this research as a reference point for discussions with feed suppliers about incorporating natural prebiotic mushroom ingredients into salmon feed formulations
  • Establish a baseline of your current fish health and growth metrics, then monitor for changes if you implement mushroom-based feed additives. Track metrics monthly over at least 3-6 months to see meaningful differences in growth rates and health indicators

This research was conducted in a laboratory model and has not yet been tested in live salmon. The findings are preliminary and should not be used to make changes to fish farming practices without additional research in actual fish. Consult with aquaculture nutritionists and veterinarians before implementing any new feed ingredients. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute professional agricultural or veterinary advice.