2.10. Fecal pH
The fecal pH level was assessed using a digital pH meter T-1000 (Tekna, São Paulo, Brazil). To perform the measurement, one gram of feces was transferred into a 15 mL falcon-type tube, and then 10 mL of ultrapure water was introduced. The mixture was thoroughly homogenized by vortexing, and the pH reading was obtained using a digital pH meter.