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Aspergillus niger

Also known as: Aspergillus niger, Black mold, A. niger, Fungal phytase, Microbial enzyme supplement

Overview

Aspergillus niger is a filamentous fungus commonly found in soil and decaying vegetation, widely utilized in biotechnology for enzyme production, particularly phytase and citrate synthase. Its primary application lies in animal feed as a phytase source, enhancing mineral bioavailability, and as a food processing aid to degrade phytate in plant-based foods. A. niger produces enzymes that break down complex plant compounds, improving nutrient absorption in animals and humans. Research is well-established in animal nutrition, with emerging evidence supporting its role in human nutrition, specifically for mineral bioavailability. It is available in liquid or powdered enzyme preparations and is stable in acidic environments. The quality of available evidence is strong in animal models but moderate to limited in humans, with some systematic reviews and meta-analyses available. It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food and feed when produced under controlled conditions.

Benefits

Aspergillus niger phytase supplementation primarily enhances the bioavailability of phosphorus, iron, and zinc from phytate-rich sources. In animal nutrition, particularly in pigs, phytase from A. niger significantly improves phosphorus absorption, increasing its availability by 20–40%. Human studies using stable isotopes demonstrate statistically significant improvements in iron and zinc absorption from phytate-rich foods, although the effect sizes vary. Secondary benefits include potential microbiome modulation, as co-cultivation with Aspergillus oryzae increases bacterial diversity and nutrient digestibility in ruminant feed. A. niger also secretes citrate under iron-limited conditions, potentially enhancing iron bioavailability. Populations with plant-based diets and those at risk of iron and zinc deficiency may particularly benefit from phytase supplementation.

How it works

Aspergillus niger primarily functions by degrading phytate (inositol hexakisphosphate) through its phytase enzyme, releasing bound minerals like phosphorus, iron, and zinc, making them available for absorption. Under iron-limited conditions, A. niger secretes citrate, which chelates iron, increasing its solubility and bioavailability. This process primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract by enhancing mineral absorption. The enzymes are active in the stomach and small intestine, where they degrade phytate and release minerals. Bioavailability improvements are dose- and context-dependent. The primary molecular target is phytate, along with iron, zinc, and other minerals bound to it.

Side effects

Aspergillus niger is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food and feed when produced under controlled conditions. Common or uncommon side effects are not reported in controlled studies. Rare side effects may include allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, although this is not documented in published studies. No significant drug interactions have been reported. There are no established contraindications, but caution is advised for individuals with known fungal allergies. While considered safe for use in animals and, in limited contexts, humans, its use has not been specifically studied in pregnant or lactating women. Overall, A. niger has a favorable safety profile based on available research.

Dosage

In animal feed, the minimum effective dose of Aspergillus niger phytase is 250–500 phytase units (FTU)/kg feed, with optimal dosage ranges between 500–1000 FTU/kg feed for maximal mineral bioavailability. For human use, dosage is not well established, as studies use varying doses, often as part of processed foods. There is no established maximum safe dose, and no toxicity has been reported at typical use levels. It is most effective when consumed with meals containing phytate-rich foods. Enzyme activity is optimal at acidic pH levels, such as those found in the stomach. Liquid or powdered enzyme preparations are commonly used, and no specific cofactors are required for enzyme activity.

FAQs

Is Aspergillus niger safe to consume?

Yes, it is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when produced under controlled conditions. No major safety concerns have been reported in controlled studies.

When should I take Aspergillus niger?

It is most effective when taken with meals containing phytate-rich foods to improve mineral absorption, especially phosphorus, iron, and zinc.

What are the expected benefits of Aspergillus niger?

The primary benefit is improved mineral absorption, particularly phosphorus, iron, and zinc, from plant-based foods.

Is Aspergillus niger a probiotic?

No, it is not a probiotic. It does not colonize the gut. Its effects are due to enzyme activity, not live organism presence.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8145302/ – This study investigates the impact of co-cultivating Aspergillus oryzae with Bacillus species on nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation. The results showed that co-cultivation increased bacterial diversity and improved nutrient digestibility in ruminant feed, suggesting potential indirect benefits on gut health. This indicates a synergistic effect between different microbial species in enhancing feed utilization.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5960347/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the efficacy of phytase in pigs. The key finding was that Aspergillus niger phytase significantly increases phosphorus bioavailability in pigs by 20–40%, depending on physiological status. The study highlights the importance of phytase supplementation in improving nutrient absorption in animal feed.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/15648265130342S111?download=true – This systematic review focused on absorption studies of phytase and mineral bioavailability in humans. The review concluded that phytase from A. niger increases iron and zinc bioavailability from phytate-rich foods in humans, with statistically significant effects. However, the study notes heterogeneity in study design and population, with effect sizes not always quantified.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2017.01424/full – This laboratory study investigated citrate secretion and iron bioavailability in A. niger. The study found that A. niger secretes citrate under iron-limited conditions, which increases iron solubility and bioavailability. While providing mechanistic insight, the study's direct clinical relevance to in vivo human nutrition is not established.
https://www.elsevier.es/en-revista-revista-psiquiatria-salud-mental-486-resumen-prebiotics-probiotics-fecal-microbiota-transplantation-S2173505020300248 – This article discusses the role of prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation in mental health. It explores how these interventions can influence the gut-brain axis and potentially alleviate symptoms of psychiatric disorders. The review highlights the complex interplay between gut microbiota and mental well-being.