Gut-derived wild blueberry phenolic acid metabolites modulate extrinsic cutaneous damage.

As the first line of defense, the skin is equipped with various physiological mechanisms positioned to prevent incoming oxidative damage from numerous environmental insults. With persistent exposure to the environment, understanding ways to augment the skin defenses is paramount in protecting from premature aging. In this study, we investigated the ability of five dietary phenolic metabolites, typically found in the bloodstream after wild blueberry consumption, to successfully defend the skin from UV light exposure in a novel ex vivo co-culture model of human skin explants and primary endothelial cells. Skin explants, placed in transwell inserts, were exposed to UV, and subsequently co-cultured with endothelial cells. When the endothelial cells had been pretreated with the bioactive metabolites at physiological concentrations (hippuric acid 3000 nM, isoferulic acid 1000 nM, salicylic acid 130 nM, benzoic acid 900 nM, α-hydroxyhippuric acid 400 nM) cutaneous damage was prevented on the co-cultured with UV-challenged skin explants. Co-culture with non-pretreated endothelial cells did not protect skin explants. Specifically, the pretreatment was able to reduce skin lipid peroxidation (measured as 4-hydroxynonenal protein adducts), and pro-inflammatory enzymes such as cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX-4). Furthermore, pretreatment with the metabolites prevented UV-induced release of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1ß and IL-8 as well as nitric oxides (NO) levels. In addition, the metabolites showed an impressive ability to prevent the loss of cutaneous structural proteins including involucrin and collagen type 1. Of note, endothelial cells cultured with UV exposed skin explants exhibited increased oxidative stress demonstrated by heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) up-regulation which was significantly prevented in the metabolite treated models. These findings highlight the ability of dietary polyphenolic metabolites to improve cutaneous defenses against extrinsic stressors.

Colloidal and interfacial properties of spray dried pulse protein-blueberry polyphenol particles in model dispersion systems.

The phytochemical composition and physicochemical attributes of polyphenol-enriched protein particle ingredients produced with pulse proteins (e.g. chickpea protein, pea protein, and a chickpea-pea protein blend) and polyphenols recovered from wild blueberry pomace were investigated for colloidal and interfacial properties. Anthocyanins were the major polyphenol fraction (27.74-36.47 mg C3G/g) of these polyphenol-rich particles (44.95-62.08 mg GAE/g). Dispersions of pea protein-polyphenol particles showed a superior phase stability before and after heat treatment compared to the chickpea pea protein-polyphenol system. This observation was independent of the added amount of NaCl in the dispersion. In general, at quasi equilibrium state, pulse protein-polyphenol particles and parental pulse protein ingredients showed similar oil-water interfacial tension. However, pea protein-polyphenol particles demonstrated a reduced diffusion-driven oil-water interfacial adsorption rate constant compared to the parental pea protein ingredient. Overall, the obtained results suggest application potential of pea protein-polyphenol particles as a functional food/beverage ingredient.

Feeding the Body Through the Skin: Ethosomes and Transethosomes as a New Topical Delivery System for Bioactive Compounds.

Because the feeding of our body through the oral route can be associated with many drawbacks due to the degradation of natural molecules during transit in the gastrointestinal tract, a transdermal delivery strategy, usually employed in the pharmaceutical field, can present an effective alternative for delivery of bioactives and nutrients from foods. In this review, the chance to feed the body with nutritive and bioactive molecules from food through transdermal administration is discussed. Various nanotechnological devices employed for topical and transdermal delivery of bioactive compounds are described. In addition, mechanisms underlying their potential use in the delivery of nutritive molecules, as well as their capability to efficaciously reach the dermis and promote systemic distribution, are detailed.

Genotype and ripening method affect carotenoid content and bio-accessibility in banana.

Bananas (Musa spp.) are a target crop for provitamin A carotenoids (pVACs) biofortification programs aiming at reducing the negative impact on health caused by vitamin A deficiency in vulnerable populations. However, studies to understand the effect of ripening methods and stages and the genotype on carotenoid content and bioaccessibility in the banana germplasm are scarce. This study evaluated carotenoid content and bioaccessibility in 27 different banana accessions at three maturation stages and two ripening methods (natural ripening and ethylene ripening). Across most accessions, total carotenoid content (TCC) increased from unripe to ripe fruit; only two accessions showed a marginal decrease. The ripening method affected carotenoid accumulation; 18 accessions had lower TCC when naturally ripened compared with the ethylene ripening group, while nine accessions showed higher TCC when ripened with exogenous ethylene, suggesting that treating bananas with exogenous ethylene might directly affect TCC accumulation, but the response is accession dependent. Additionally, carotenoid bioaccessibility varied across genotypes and was correlated with the amount of soluble starch and resistant starch. These findings highlight the importance of ripening methods and genotypes in maximizing banana carotenoid content and bioaccessibility, which could contribute to improving pVACs delivery in biofortification programs.

Development of Spray Dried Spirulina Protein-Berry Pomace Polyphenol Particles to Attenuate Pollution-Induced Skin Damage: A Convergent Food-Beauty Approach.

Spray drying (SD) microencapsulation of phytochemicals from berry pomaces with Spirulina protein (SP) was incorporated into a cosmeceutical topical formulation to mitigate pollution skin damage. Initially, microparticles produced with SP and polyphenols recovered from fruit pomaces (elderberry SP-EB and muscadine grape SP-MG) were characterized regarding physicochemical and phytochemical content (polyphenol load, carotenoid and phycocyanin contents and antioxidant activity). SP had low total phenolic content (7.43 ± 0.23 mg GAE/g DW), but complexation with elderberry or muscadine grape pomaces polyphenols led to a substantial increase (27.63 ± 1.15 SP-EB and 111.0 ± 2.6 mg GAE/g DW SP-MG). SP-MG particles had higher anthocyanin (26.87 ± 1.25 mg/g) and proanthocyanidin (9.02 ± 0.74 mg/g) contents compared to SP-EB particles. SP-MG were prioritized to prepare a topical gel to attenuate skin oxinflammatory markers and prevent skin barrier disruption using ex vivo human biopsies exposed to diesel engine exhaust (DEE). The immunofluorescence results showed increased oxidative protein damage and inflammation associated with impaired skin barrier function after DEE exposure while topical application of gel formulated with SP-MG mitigated these effects. Overall, this study demonstrated that protein-polyphenol complexation is a synergistic strategy to stabilize and deliver residual fruit/algae phytoactives into cosmeceutical products for skin health applications.

Protective Effects of Polyphenol-Rich Extracts against Neurotoxicity Elicited by Paraquat or Rotenone in Cellular Models of Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder involving motor symptoms caused by a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain. Epidemiological evidence suggests that anthocyanin (ANC) intake is associated with a low risk of PD. Previously, we reported that extracts enriched with ANC and proanthocyanidins (PAC) suppressed dopaminergic neuron death elicited by the PD-related toxin rotenone in a primary midbrain culture model. Here, we characterized botanical extracts enriched with a mixed profile of polyphenols, as well as a set of purified polyphenolic standards, in terms of their ability to mitigate dopaminergic cell death in midbrain cultures exposed to another PD-related toxicant, paraquat (PQ), and we examined underlying neuroprotective mechanisms. Extracts prepared from blueberries, black currants, grape seeds, grape skin, mulberries, and plums, as well as several ANC, were found to rescue dopaminergic neuron loss in PQ-treated cultures. Comparison of a subset of ANC-rich extracts for the ability to mitigate neurotoxicity elicited by PQ versus rotenone revealed that a hibiscus or plum extract was only neuroprotective in cultures exposed to rotenone or PQ, respectively. Several extracts or compounds with the ability to protect against PQ neurotoxicity increased the activity of the antioxidant transcription factor Nrf2 in cultured astrocytes, and PQ-induced dopaminergic cell death was attenuated in Nrf2-expressing midbrain cultures. In other studies, we found that extracts prepared from hibiscus, grape skin, or purple basil (but not plums) rescued defects in O2 consumption in neuronal cells treated with rotenone. Collectively, these findings suggest that extracts enriched with certain combinations of ANC, PAC, stilbenes, and other polyphenols could potentially slow neurodegeneration in the brains of individuals exposed to PQ or rotenone by activating cellular antioxidant mechanisms and/or alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction.

Blueberry intake elevates post-exercise anti-inflammatory oxylipins: a randomized trial.

This study determined if 18 days of supplementation with blueberries (BL) compared to placebo (PL) could mitigate muscle soreness and damage and improve inflammation resolution in untrained adults (n = 49, ages 18-50 years) after engaging in a 90-min bout of "weekend warrior" eccentric exercise. The BL freeze dried supplement provided 1 cup of fresh blueberries per day equivalent with 805 mg/day total phenolics and 280 mg/day anthocyanins. Urine levels of eight BL gut-derived phenolics increased after 14- and 18-days supplementation with 83% higher concentrations in BL vs. PL (p < 0.001). The 90-min exercise bout caused significant muscle soreness and damage during 4d of recovery and a decrease in exercise performance with no significant differences between PL and BL. Plasma oxylipins were identified (n = 76) and grouped by fatty acid substrates and enzyme systems. Linoleic acid (LA) oxylipins generated from cytochrome P450 (CYP) (9,10-, 12,13-dihydroxy-9Z-octadecenoic acids) (diHOMEs) were lower in BL vs. PL (treatment effect, p = 0.051). A compositive variable of 9 plasma hydroxydocosahexaenoic acids (HDoHEs) generated from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6) and lipoxygenase (LOX) was significantly higher in BL vs. PL (treatment effect, p = 0.008). The composite variable of plasma 14-HDoHE, 17-HDoHE, and the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-derived oxylipin 18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (18-HEPE) (specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators, SPM, intermediates) was significantly higher in BL vs PL (treatment effect, p = 0.014). Pearson correlations showed positive relationships between post-exercise DHA-LOX HDoHEs and SPM intermediates with urine blueberry gut-derived phenolics (r = 0.324, p = 0.023, and r = 0.349, p = 0.015, respectively). These data indicate that 18d intake of 1 cup/day blueberries compared to PL was linked to a reduction in pro-inflammatory diHOMES and sustained elevations in DHA- and EPA-derived anti-inflammatory oxylipins in response to a 90-min bout of unaccustomed exercise by untrained adults.

Moderate consumption of freeze-dried blueberry powder increased net bone calcium retention compared with no treatment in healthy postmenopausal women: a randomized crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Preclinical studies suggest that blueberry consumption is associated with improved bone health. OBJECTIVES: We conducted a blueberry dose-response study in ovariectomized (OVX)-rats that informed a study in postmenopausal women using the urinary appearance of calcium (Ca) tracers from prelabeled bone to reflect changes in bone balance. We hypothesized that blueberry consumption would reduce bone loss in a dose-dependent manner compared with no treatment. METHODS: OVX rats were fed 4 doses of blueberry powder (2.5%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) in randomized order to determine bone 45Ca retention. Fourteen healthy, nonosteoporotic women ≥4 y past menopause were dosed with 50 nCi of 41Ca, a long-lived radioisotope, and equilibrated for 5 mo to allow 41Ca deposition in bone. Following a 6-wk baseline period, participants were assigned to a random sequence of 3 6-wk interventions, a low (17.5 g/d), medium (35 g/d), or high (70 g/d) dose of freeze-dried blueberry powder equivalent to 0.75, 1.5, or 3 cups of fresh blueberries incorporated into food and beverage products. Urinary 41Ca:Ca ratio was measured by accelerator mass spectrometry. Serum bone resorption biomarkers and urinary polyphenols were measured at the end of each control and intervention period. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model and repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: In both OVX rats and postmenopausal women, blueberry interventions benefited net bone calcium balance at lower but not at higher doses. In women, net bone calcium retention increased by 6% with the low (95% CI: 2.50, 8.60; P < 0.01) and 4% with the medium (95% CI: 0.96, 7.90; P < 0.05) dose compared with no treatment. Urinary excretion of hippuric acid increased dose-dependently with blueberry consumption. No significant relationships were found between bone resorption biomarkers, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate consumption (<1 cup/d) of blueberries may be an effective strategy to attenuate bone loss in healthy postmenopausal women. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02630797.

Blueberry Supplementation and Skin Health.

Environmental stressors such as air pollutants, ozone, and UV radiation are among the most noxious outdoor stressors affecting human skin and leading to premature skin aging. To prevent the extrinsic aging, the skin is equipped with an effective defensive system. However, cutaneous defense mechanisms can be overwhelmed through chronic exposure to environmental pollutants. Recent studies have suggested that the topical usage of natural compounds, such as blueberries, could be a good strategy to prevent skin damage from the environment. Indeed, blueberries contain bioactive compounds found to induce an active skin response against the environmental noxious effects. In this review, results from recent studies on this topic are discussed in order to build the argument for blueberries to possibly be an effective agent for skin health. In addition, we hope to highlight the need for further research to elucidate the mechanisms behind the use of both topical application and dietary supplementation with blueberries to bolster cutaneous systems and defensive mechanisms.

Crop, Host, and Gut Microbiome Variation Influence Precision Nutrition: An Example of Blueberries.

Epidemiological studies have shown associations between polyphenol-rich fruit intake and bone health, and preclinical studies have shown that blueberries improve bone health. To determine the genotype and dose of blueberries that are effective in ameliorating age-related bone loss, a multi-institutional team of investigators performed in vitro, preclinical, and clinical studies on blueberry varieties that differed in flavonoid profiles. Principal component analysis was used to select blueberry genotypes that varied in anthocyanin profiles. Total phenolic content did not predict the bioavailability of polyphenolic compounds in rats. A range in bioavailability was observed in individual polyphenolic compounds across genotypes. Both alpha and beta diversity analyses indicated that gut microbiome profiles varied with blueberry dose in rats. Additionally, the identification of specific taxa, such as Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 and Coriobacteriales, increasing after blueberry consumption adds to the mounting evidence of their role in polyphenol metabolism. All of the sources of variation can inform blueberry breeding practices to influence precision nutrition.

Protective effects of polyphenol-rich extracts against neurotoxicity elicited by paraquat or rotenone in cellular models of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder involving motor symptoms caused by a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain. Epidemiological evidence suggests that anthocyanin (ANC) intake is associated with a low risk of PD. Previously, we reported that extracts enriched with ANC and proanthocyanidins (PAC) suppressed dopaminergic neuron death elicited by the PD-related toxin rotenone in a primary midbrain culture model. Here, we characterized botanical extracts enriched with a mixed profile of polyphenols, as well as a set of purified polyphenolic standards, in terms of their ability to mitigate dopaminergic cell death in midbrain cultures exposed to another PD-related toxicant, paraquat (PQ), and we examined underlying neuroprotective mechanisms. Extracts prepared from blueberries, black currants, grape seeds, grape skin, mulberries, and plums, as well as several ANC, were found to rescue dopaminergic neuron loss in PQ-treated cultures. Comparison of a subset of ANC-rich extracts for the ability to mitigate neurotoxicity elicited by PQ versus rotenone revealed that a hibiscus or plum extract was only neuroprotective in cultures exposed to rotenone or PQ, respectively. Several extracts or compounds with the ability to protect against PQ neurotoxicity increased the activity of the antioxidant transcription factor Nrf2 in cultured astrocytes, and PQ-induced dopaminergic cell death was attenuated in Nrf2-expressing midbrain cultures. In other studies, we found that extracts prepared from hibiscus, grape skin, or purple basil (but not plums) rescued defects in O 2 consumption in neuronal cells treated with rotenone. Collectively, these findings suggest that extracts enriched with certain combinations of ANC, PAC, stilbenes, and other polyphenols could potentially slow neurodegeneration in the brains of individuals exposed to PQ or rotenone by activating cellular antioxidant mechanisms and/or alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction.

Spray-drying microencapsulation of blackcurrant and cocoa polyphenols using underexplored plant-based protein sources.

The performance of buckwheat protein (BK) and chia seed protein (CP) as drying carriers for the microencapsulation of polyphenols extracted from blackcurrant pomace and cocoa powder was investigated. Four experimental groups were evaluated (BK-BC: blackcurrant pomace extract with buckwheat protein; CP-BC: blackcurrant pomace extract with chia:pea protein blend; BK-CC: cocoa extract with buckwheat protein; and CP-CC: cocoa extract with chia:pea protein blend) to determine physicochemical attributes, phytochemical content, antioxidant activity, and polyphenol in vitro bioaccessibility. Nonconventional, underexploited protein sources such as chia/pea protein blend and buckwheat protein efficiently produced functional microparticles with attractive color and texture, low hygroscopicity (<20% increase in moisture content when exposed to 86% relative humidity for 1 week), solubility above 50% at pH 7 and 10, and uniform particle size (29 < D4,3  < 56 µm). Besides this, the protein-polyphenol microparticles concentrated and protected health-relevant polyphenol content. Anthocyanins were detected in blackcurrant treatments (around 20 mg cyanidin-3-O-glucoside equivalents/g), while proanthocyanidins (PAC) were the most prevalent polyphenols in cocoa treatments (>100 mg PAC B2/g). Monomers were the main class of PAC in both BK-CC and CP-CC treatments. All protein-polyphenol treatments reduced both reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated cells (p < 0.05). The polyphenol recovery index was high (>70%) for both oral and gastric phases, and BK-derived groups had better bioaccessibility index compared to BC or CC alone (noncomplexed). This research provided a framework for delivery of high-value ingredients to attend to an emerging market centered on protein-rich, clean label plant-based food products. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Practical Application: The protein-polyphenol complexation is a robust method to produce phytochemical-rich food ingredients for the food industry with enhanced physicochemical, sensory, and bioaccessibility performance. In this study, we investigated practical aspects regarding the production and quality of protein-polyphenol particles, such as the spray-drying efficiency, phytochemical content, physicochemical attributes, antioxidant activity, and polyphenol bioaccessibility. This study unveils the potential of underexplored buckwheat and chia seeds (alone or combined with pea protein) as encapsulation carriers for fruit polyphenols to diversify the protein options available for products directed to the wellness market.

Protein-binding approaches for improving bioaccessibility and bioavailability of anthocyanins.

Color is an important characteristic of food. Over the last 15 years, more attention has been paid to natural colorants because of the rising demand for clean-label food products. Anthocyanins, which are a group of phytochemicals responsible for the purple, blue or red hues of many plants, offer a market advantage. In addition, anthocyanin-rich foods are associated with protection against cardiovascular disease, thrombosis, diabetes, cancer, microbial-based disorders, neurological disorders, and vision ailments. However, the real health value of anthocyanins, whether as a natural colorant or a functional ingredient, is dependent on the ultimate bioaccessibility and bioavailability in the human body. Many animal and human clinical studies revealed that, after intake of anthocyanin-rich foods or anthocyanin extracts, only trace amounts (< 1% of ingested content) of anthocyanins or their predicted metabolites were detected in plasma after a standard blood draw, which was indicative of low bioavailability of anthocyanins. Protein binding to anthocyanins is a strategy that has recently been reported to enhance the ultimate bioactivity, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability of anthocyanins as compared to anthocyanins delivered without a protein carrier. Therefore, in this review, we address anthocyanin properties in food processing and digestion, anthocyanin-protein complexes used in food matrices, and changes in the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of anthocyanins when bound into anthocyanin-protein complexes in foods. Finally, we summarize the challenges and prospects of this delivery system for anthocyanin pigments.

Six-month intervention with wild blueberries improved speed of processing in mild cognitive decline: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: As the sector of the population over 65y increases, cognitive decline and dementia become a public health issue. Interventions to improve brain health and thus, quality of life for older adults are needed. OBJECTIVE: It was hypothesized that those consuming a flavonoid-rich, lyophilized wild blueberry powder would evidence improvements in cognitive performance as measured behaviorally and electrophysiologically compared to those consuming a placebo powder across a 6-month intervention period. DESIGN: In a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial, participants experiencing cognitive issues as determined by scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were randomized to consume either wild blueberry (n = 44) or placebo (n = 42) powder daily for 6 months. Participants who were not experiencing any cognitive issues were included as a reference group (n = 45). Participants were tested at baseline and outcome on the Cambridge Neurological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) and in an electrophysiological paradigm known as event-related potentials (ERP). RESULTS: Tests of specific cognitive abilities using the CANTAB showed speed of processing not only improved in the blueberry intervention group relative to the placebo group across the 6-month intervention, but blueberries also restored speed of processing to the level of the reference group. The ERP results also showed that, relative to those consuming placebo, speed of processing improved for those in the blueberry group; this improvement was most prominent in those 75-80y. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of wild blueberries for six months improves cognitive aging sequelae by improving the speed of information processing in older adults.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01515098.

Influence of 2 Weeks of Mango Ingestion on Inflammation Resolution after Vigorous Exercise.

Mangoes have a unique nutrient profile (carotenoids, polyphenols, sugars, and vitamins) that we hypothesized would mitigate post-exercise inflammation. This study examined the effects of mango ingestion on moderating exercise-induced inflammation in a randomized crossover trial with 22 cyclists. In random order with trials separated by a 2-week washout period, the cyclists ingested 330 g mango/day with 0.5 L water or 0.5 L of water alone for 2 weeks, followed by a 2.25 h cycling bout challenge. Blood and urine samples were collected pre- and post-2 weeks of supplementation, with additional blood samples collected immediately post-exercise and 1.5-h, 3-h, and 24 h post-exercise. Urine samples were analyzed for targeted mango-related metabolites. The blood samples were analyzed for 67 oxylipins, which are upstream regulators of inflammation and other physiological processes. After 2 weeks of mango ingestion, three targeted urine mango-related phenolic metabolites were significantly elevated compared to water alone (interaction effects, p ≤ 0.003). Significant post-exercise increases were measured for 49 oxylipins, but various subgroup analyses showed no differences in the pattern of change between trials (all interaction effects, p > 0.150). The 2.25 h cycling bouts induced significant inflammation, but no countermeasure effect was found after 2 weeks of mango ingestion despite the elevation of mango gut-derived phenolic metabolites.

Dissecting the genetic basis of bioactive metabolites and fruit quality traits in blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.).

Blueberry is well-recognized as a healthy fruit with functionality derived largely from anthocyanin and chlorogenic acid. Despite their importance, no study to date has evaluated the genetic basis of these bioactives in blueberries and their relationship with fruit quality traits. Hence, to fill this gap, a mapping population including 196 F1 individuals was phenotyped for anthocyanin and chlorogenic acid concentration and fruit quality traits (titratable acidity, pH, and total soluble solids) over 3 years and data were used for QTL mapping and correlation analysis. Total soluble solids and chlorogenic acid were positively correlated with glycosylated anthocyanin and total anthocyanin, respectively, indicating that parallel selection for these traits is possible. Across all the traits, a total of 188 QTLs were identified on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 11 and 12. Notably, four major regions with overlapping major-effect QTLs were identified on chromosomes 1, 2, 4 and 8, and were responsible for acylation and glycosylation of anthocyanins in a substrate and sugar donor specific manner. Through comparative transcriptome analysis, multiple candidate genes were identified for these QTLs, including glucosyltransferases and acyltransferases. Overall, the study provides the first insights into the genetic basis controlling anthocyanins accumulation and composition, chlorogenic acid and fruit quality traits, and establishes a framework to advance genetic studies and molecular breeding for anthocyanins in blueberry.

There and back again; historical perspective and future directions for Vaccinium breeding and research studies.

The genus Vaccinium L. (Ericaceae) contains a wide diversity of culturally and economically important berry crop species. Consumer demand and scientific research in blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) and cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) have increased worldwide over the crops' relatively short domestication history (~100 years). Other species, including bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), and ohelo berry (Vaccinium reticulatum) are largely still harvested from the wild but with crop improvement efforts underway. Here, we present a review article on these Vaccinium berry crops on topics that span taxonomy to genetics and genomics to breeding. We highlight the accomplishments made thus far for each of these crops, along their journey from the wild, and propose research areas and questions that will require investments by the community over the coming decades to guide future crop improvement efforts. New tools and resources are needed to underpin the development of superior cultivars that are not only more resilient to various environmental stresses and higher yielding, but also produce fruit that continue to meet a variety of consumer preferences, including fruit quality and health related traits.

Spray-dried and freeze-dried protein-spinach particles; effect of drying technique and protein type on the bioaccessibility of carotenoids, chlorophylls, and phenolics.

The effects of protein carrier and drying technique on the concentration and bioaccessibility of lipophilic compounds (lutein, ß-carotene, chlorophylls a and b) and hydrophilic flavonoids in freeze-dried (FD) or spray-dried (SD) spinach juice and protein-spinach particles were investigated. Carotenoid and chlorophyll contents were highest in FD spinach juice without protein (147 and 1355 mg/100 g, respectively). For both SD and FD protein-spinach particles, SPI best protected carotenoids and chlorophylls (123 and 1160 mg/g, respectively), although the bioaccessibility of lipophilic compounds in WPI particles was higher than SPI particles (p < 0.05). For flavonoids, the drying technique was more important than the type of carrier, since FD particles had higher total flavonoids than SD. However, SD particles had higher bioaccessibility for most flavonoids (40-90 %) compared to FD (<20 %). The drying method and protein carrier can be designed to produce protein-spinach ingredients with desired concentration of compounds and bioaccessibility.

Boosting the Bioaccessibility of Dietary Bioactives by Delivery as Protein-Polyphenol Aggregate Particles.

Protein-polyphenol aggregate particles concurrently fortify a functional food product with healthy dietary proteins and concentrated polyphenols. However, what impact does ingestion of aggregate particles have on ultimate health relevance of either the polyphenolic molecules in the matrix or the protein molecules? Because human health benefits are contingent on bioavailability after ingestion, the fate of these molecules during transit in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) will dictate their utility as functional food ingredients. This brief review explores diverse applications of protein-polyphenol particles in the food industry and the bioaccessibility of both bioactive polyphenolic compounds and edible proteins. Evidence to date suggests that complexation of phytoactive polyphenolics effectively enhances their health-relevant impacts, specifically because the phytoactives are protected in the protein matrix during transit in the GIT, allowing intact, non-degraded molecules to reach the colon for catabolism at the gut microbiome level, a prerequisite to realize the health benefits of these active compounds.

Enhancing the Cognitive Effects of Flavonoids With Physical Activity: Is There a Case for the Gut Microbiome?

Age-related cognitive changes can be the first indication of the progression to dementias, such as Alzheimer's disease. These changes may be driven by a complex interaction of factors including diet, activity levels, genetics, and environment. Here we review the evidence supporting relationships between flavonoids, physical activity, and brain function. Recent in vivo experiments and human clinical trials have shown that flavonoid-rich foods can inhibit neuroinflammation and enhance cognitive performance. Improved cognition has also been correlated with a physically active lifestyle, and with the functionality and diversity of the gut microbiome. The great majority (+ 90%) of dietary flavonoids are biotransformed into phytoactive phenolic metabolites at the gut microbiome level prior to absorption, and these prebiotic flavonoids modulate microbiota profiles and diversity. Health-relevant outcomes from flavonoid ingestion may only be realized in the presence of a robust microbiome. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) accelerates the catabolism and uptake of these gut-derived anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory metabolites into circulation. The gut microbiome exerts a profound influence on cognitive function; moderate exercise and flavonoid intake influence cognitive benefits; and exercise and flavonoid intake influence the microbiome. We conclude that there is a potential for combined impacts of flavonoid intake and physical exertion on cognitive function, as modulated by the gut microbiome, and that the combination of a flavonoid-rich diet and routine aerobic exercise may potentiate cognitive benefits and reduce cognitive decline in an aging population, via mechanisms mediated by the gut microbiome. Mechanistic animal studies and human clinical interventions are needed to further explore this hypothesis.