Reproductive and Metabolic Benefits of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Supplementation in Female Rats

Abstract

Reproductive health is essential for maternal well-being and fetal development, yet the potential of nutritional interventions to enhance female fertility remains underexplored. While Saccharomyces cerevisiae is known for its benefits in growth performance and gut health, limited studies have examined its direct effects on female reproductive outcomes and associated biochemical parameters. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of varying dietary levels of S. cerevisiae on fertility indices, fetal development, and serum biochemical markers in female rats. Forty adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10): a control group A and three treatment groups B, C and D receiving 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g/kg body weight of S. cerevisiae respectively for 21 consecutive days. After mating, fertility parameters were determined and recorded, and blood samples were collected on gestation day 20 for serum analysis. Results showed a dose-dependent improvement in fertility index and fetal crown-rump length, with no adverse embryonic outcomes. Additionally, significant reductions in serum AST, ALT, and ALP levels were observed, alongside elevated albumin and globulin concentrations, indicating improved liver function and protein metabolism. These findings suggest that S. cerevisiae supplementation may support reproductive efficiency and maternal biochemical health. The study addresses a notable gap in understanding the reproductive effects of yeast supplementation in females, paving the way for further investigation into its mechanisms and applications in reproductive biology.

Keywords: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, female fertility, reproductive health, liver enzymes, serum proteins, maternal metabolism