In this study, the effect of dietary supplementation of ALA on growth performance, nutrients digestibility and
blood characteristics was assessed in weanling pigs. A secondary objective was to evaluate whether dietary
Delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) supplementation could improve immune responses during a period of inflammatory challenge. This study found that exogenous supplementation of δ- aminolevulinic acid in weanling pig diets resulted in
elevation of iron status and specific immune system parameters. Results suggest that δ-aminolevulinic acid has potential as a immunity enhancer in the diet of weanling pigs. This study was conducted under normal conditions (without iron deficiency); therefore, further research is necessary to evaluate the effect of δ- aminolevulinic acid on iron-deficient nursery pigs and its efficacy under commercial farm conditions where a greater disease challenge is present. In addition, the exact mechanism of δ-aminolevulinic acid action needs further investigation.

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