Magnesium Hydride Improves Chicken Gut Health and Beneficial Bacteria
In vitro fermentation properties of magnesium hydride and related modulation effects on broiler cecal microbiome and metabolome
Research hubs: Digestive System
This research was done on cells or tissue in a lab, not in people or animals.
- Evidence type
- Laboratory study (cells or tissue)
- Authors
- Heng Hu, He Zhu, Haiyan Yang, Wen Yao, Weijiang Zheng
- Journal
- Frontiers in Microbiology
- Year
- 2023
- PMID
- 37621394
- Study Type
- Chicken
- Delivery
- Gas (Sustained Release)
- Duration
- 2 days
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 8 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Adding magnesium hydride (MGH) and its coated form (CMG) to broiler chicken feed changes the gut bacteria and chemical compounds in beneficial ways, potentially improving chicken health and growth.
Key Finding
Magnesium hydride increased hydrogen gas and beneficial short-chain fatty acid production while reducing ammonia and pathogenic bacteria in a laboratory model of chicken gut fermentation.
Summary
Researchers tested magnesium hydride (a substance that produces hydrogen gas when it reacts with water) as a potential feed additive for chickens by simulating what happens in a chicken's digestive system in a laboratory dish. After 48 hours, magnesium hydride increased hydrogen gas production and beneficial short-chain fatty acids (compounds that support gut health), while reducing ammonia and harmful bacteria like Shigella. A coated version of the additive had similar but slightly different effects, increasing certain beneficial bacteria and acids.
Practical Takeaway
This laboratory study suggests magnesium hydride may have potential as a chicken feed additive to support gut health, but it was conducted only in a test-tube model of chicken digestion, not in living birds. Further research in actual chickens would be needed to determine whether these laboratory benefits translate to real-world improvements in chicken health or production.
Abstract (excerpt)
Magnesium hydride (MGH), a highly promising hydrogen-producing substance/additive for hydrogen production through its hydrolysis reaction, has the potential to enhance broiler production. However, before incorporating MGH as a hydrogen-producing additive in broiler feed, it is crucial to fully…