L-malic acid and metabolic health in sows and muscle development in offspring

Supplementing the diet of pregnant sows with L-malic acid during late gestation can enhance metabolic balance and muscle development in their piglets. This study explored how maternal intake of L-malic acid influences glucose metabolism and the expression of myogenic markers in offspring muscle tissue. The purpose of this research was to assess how L-malic acid intake during the critical period of fetal muscle formation affects the metabolic profile and muscle structure of the next generation.

At day 30 of pregnancy, 45 Landrace × Yorkshire sows were randomly assigned to three groups: one control group fed a standard corn–soy diet, and two groups receiving the same diet supplemented with 1% or 2% L-malic acid complex. Serum samples were collected from sows on days 50 and 90 of gestation, and from piglets at birth and weaning (21 days). Inflammatory markers, myokine levels, and skeletal muscle tissue (longissimus dorsi) were analyzed. Data were statistically evaluated using t-tests and one- or two-way ANOVA.

Dietary supplementation with L-malic acid reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in sows. At day 50 of gestation, insulin-like growth factor 1 levels increased by 18.5%, while transforming growth factor β1 decreased by 42.8%. Piglets born to treated sows showed lower inflammation and modified myokine secretion. Expression of Pax7 in skeletal muscle rose by 74.3% on day 1, and fiber-type transitions were observed by day 21, with higher slow myosin heavy chain protein and lower MyHC IIx mRNA levels. RNA sequencing showed maternal L-malic acid influenced amino acid and fatty acid metabolism genes and inhibited the Hippo signaling pathway.

Maternal supplementation with L-malic acid appears to be a promising nutritional approach to improve metabolic health and promote beneficial remodeling of skeletal muscle in offspring.