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- Functional algal feeds for aquaculture: micro- and macroalgae promote gut recovery in gilthead seabreamPublication . García-Gallego, Ibon; Aragão, Cláudia; Teodósio, Rita; Fachadas Gato Coelho Gonçalves, Ana Teresa; Engrola, SofiaGut health is essential for optimal growth, immune function, and robustness in aquaculture. This study evaluated the potential of dietary supplementation with micro- and macroalgae to promote intestinal recovery following an insult. Four experimental diets were formulated for gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) juveniles (176 } 0.32 g): a control commercial-like diet (CTRL), and the same diet supplemented with either microalgae (Phaeodactylum tricornutum; PHA) or macroalgae (Gracilaria gracilis; GRA) at 2.5%, or a 5% blend of both (50:50; BLEND). To induce an intestinal insult, fish from each dietary group were assisted-fed with gelatine capsules containing soy saponins (CTRL + S, PHA, GRA, BLEND), while control fish received empty capsules (CTRL). After 72 h, CTRL and CTRL + S groups were fed the control diet, while PHA, GRA, and BLEND received their respective algaesupplemented diets. After 20 days, CTRL + S fish had significantly increased mucus cell numbers and submucosal cellular infiltration compared to CTRL fish, indicating intestinal disruption. PHA diet significantly upregulated igm, il10, and gpx. Fish fed GRA displayed a significant increase in mucosal vacuolation. BLEND diet showed synergistic effects, significantly upregulating il1b and pcna and reducing ALP activity. These results highlight the potential of combining micro- and macroalgae compounds to enhance gut recovery and immune activation.