Using Targeted Metabolomics to Unravel Phenolic Metabolites of Plant Origin in Animal Milk.

Milk holds a high nutritional value and is associated with diverse health benefits. The understanding of its composition of (poly)phenolic metabolites is limited, which necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of the subject. This study aimed at analyzing the (poly)phenolic profile of commercial milk samples from cows and goats and investigating their sterilization treatments, fat content, and lactose content. Fingerprinting of phenolic metabolites was achieved by using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS). Two hundred and three potential microbial and phase II metabolites of the main dietary (poly)phenols were targeted. Twenty-five metabolites were identified, revealing a diverse array of phenolic metabolites in milk, including isoflavones and their microbial catabolites equol and O-desmethylangolensin, phenyl-γ-valerolactones (flavan-3-ol microbial catabolites), enterolignans, urolithins (ellagitannin microbial catabolites), benzene diols, and hippuric acid derivates. Goat's milk contained higher concentrations of these metabolites than cow's milk, while the sterilization process and milk composition (fat and lactose content) had minimal impact on the metabolite profiles. Thus, the consumption of goat's milk might serve as a potential means to supplement bioactive phenolic metabolites, especially in individuals with limited production capacity. However, further research is needed to elucidate the potential health effects of milk-derived phenolics.

Excretion by subjects on a low (poly)phenol diet of phenolic gut microbiota catabolites sequestered in tissues or associated with catecholamines and surplus amino acids.

Phenolic catabolites excreted by fasting subjects with a functioning colon and ileostomists on a low (poly)phenol diet have been investigated. Urine was collected over a 12 h fasting period after adherence to a low (poly)phenol diet for 36 h. UHPLC-HR-MS quantified 77 phenolics. Some were present in the urine of both groups in similar trace amounts and others were excreted in higher amounts by participants with a colon indicating the involvement of the microbiota. Most were present in sub- or low-µmol amounts, but hippuric acid dominated accounting on average for 60% of the total for both volunteer categories indicating significant production from sources other than non-nutrient dietary (poly)phenols. The potential origins of the phenolics associated with the low (poly)phenol diet, include endogenous catecholamines, surplus tyrosine and phenylalanine, and washout of catabolites derived from pre-study intakes of non-nutrient dietary (poly)phenols.

Metabotypes of flavan-3-ol colonic metabolites after cranberry intake: elucidation and statistical approaches.

PURPOSE: Extensive inter-individual variability exists in the production of flavan-3-ol metabolites. Preliminary metabolic phenotypes (metabotypes) have been defined, but there is no consensus on the existence of metabotypes associated with the catabolism of catechins and proanthocyanidins. This study aims at elucidating the presence of different metabotypes in the urinary excretion of main flavan-3-ol colonic metabolites after consumption of cranberry products and at assessing the impact of the statistical technique used for metabotyping. METHODS: Data on urinary concentrations of phenyl-γ-valerolactones and 3-(hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid derivatives from two human interventions has been used. Different multivariate statistics, principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis, and partial least square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), have been considered. RESULTS: Data pre-treatment plays a major role on resulting PCA models. Cluster analysis based on k-means and a final consensus algorithm lead to quantitative-based models, while the expectation-maximization algorithm and clustering according to principal component scores yield metabotypes characterized by quali-quantitative differences in the excretion of colonic metabolites. PLS-DA, together with univariate analyses, has served to validate the urinary metabotypes in the production of flavan-3-ol metabolites and to confirm the robustness of the methodological approach. CONCLUSIONS: This work proposes a methodological workflow for metabotype definition and highlights the importance of data pre-treatment and clustering methods on the final outcomes for a given dataset. It represents an additional step toward the understanding of the inter-individual variability in flavan-3-ol metabolism. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The acute study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02517775, August 7, 2015; the chronic study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02764749, May 6, 2016.

A wheat aleurone-rich diet improves oxidative stress but does not influence glucose metabolism in overweight/obese individuals: Results from a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Aleurone is the innermost layer of wheat bran, rich in fiber, minerals, vitamins, phenolic compounds, and betaine. The metabolic effects of aleurone rich foods are still unknown. Our aim was to investigate the effects of consuming a Wheat Aleurone rich diet vs. a Refined Wheat diet for 8 weeks on fasting and postprandial glycemic and lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress in overweight/obese individuals. METHODS AND RESULTS: According to a randomized cross-over study design, 23 overweight/obese individuals, age 56 ± 9 years (M±SD), were assigned to two isoenergetic diet - Wheat Aleurone and Refined Wheat diets - for 8 weeks. The diets were similar for macronutrient composition but different for the aleurone content (40-50 g/day in the Wheat Aleurone diet). After each diet, fasting and postprandial plasma metabolic profile, ferulic acid metabolites and 8-isoprostane concentrations in 24-h urine samples were evaluated. Compared with the Refined Wheat Diet, the Wheat Aleurone Diet increased fasting plasma concentrations of betaine by 15% (p = 0.042) and decreased the excretion of 8-isoprostane by 33% (p = 0.035). Conversely, it did not affect the fasting and postprandial glucose, insulin and triglyceride responses, homocysteine, and C-Reactive Protein concentrations, nor excretion of phenolic metabolites. CONCLUSION: An 8-week Wheat Aleurone Diet improves the oxidative stress and increases plasma betaine levels in overweight/obese individuals with an increased cardiometabolic risk. However, further studies with longer duration and larger sample size are needed to evaluate the benefits of aleurone-rich foods on glucose and lipid metabolism in individuals with more severe metabolic abnormalities. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER: NCT02150356, (https://clinicaltrials.gov).

Effect of coffee and cocoa-based confectionery containing coffee on markers of cardiometabolic health: results from the pocket-4-life project.

PURPOSE: Coffee is an important source of bioactive compounds, including caffeine, trigonelline, and phenolic compounds. Several studies have highlighted the preventive effects of coffee consumption on major cardiometabolic (CM) diseases, but the impact of different coffee dosages on markers of CM risk in a real-life setting has not been fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the effect of coffee and cocoa-based confectionery containing coffee consumption on several CM risk factors in healthy subjects. METHODS: In a three-arm, crossover, randomized trial, 21 volunteers were assigned to consume in a random order for 1 month: 1 cup of espresso coffee/day, 3 cups of espresso coffee/day, and 1 cup of espresso coffee plus 2 cocoa-based products containing coffee, twice per day. At the last day of each treatment, blood samples were collected and used for the analysis of inflammatory markers, trimethylamine N-oxide, nitric oxide, blood lipids, and markers of glucose/insulin metabolism. Moreover, anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were measured. Finally, food consumption during the interventions was monitored. RESULTS: After 1 month, energy intake did not change among treatments, while significant differences were observed in the intake of saturated fatty acids, sugars, and total carbohydrates. No significant effect on CM markers was observed following neither the consumption of different coffee dosages nor after cocoa-based products containing coffee. CONCLUSIONS: The daily consumption of common dosages of coffee and its substitution with cocoa-based products containing coffee showed no effect on CM risk factors in healthy subjects. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03166540, May 21, 2017.

Absorption, metabolism, and excretion of orange juice (poly)phenols in humans: The effect of a controlled alcoholic fermentation.

The consumption of orange juice provides high concentrations of health-promoting bioactive compounds, the amount of which may increase upon alcoholic fermentation. Although fermentation may offer new prospects for the industry of orange-related products, there is a lack of studies reporting the influence of controlled alcoholic fermentation on the bioavailability of orange juice (poly)phenols in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the absorption profile, pharmacokinetic parameters, and urinary excretion of orange juice (poly)phenols in nine volunteers after acute administration of an orange juice and a beverage prepared after controlled alcoholic fermentation of the juice. Plasma and urine samples were analysed through a UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS targeted approach. A total of 24 (poly)phenol metabolites including both flavanone and phenolic acid derivatives were quantified, most of them being recorded only in urine. Phase II conjugates of hesperetin and naringenin were the main metabolites in plasma, while phenolic acids, in particular hydroxybenzoic acids, were the main compounds in urine. (Poly)phenols in both beverages were highly bioavailable (between 46 and 59%) and a notable inter-individual variability was seen. Significant treatment × time interactions were recorded for the sum of flavanones and phenolic acids in plasma, the (poly)phenols in the fermented juice being absorbed faster than after orange juice intake. Nevertheless, despite the food matrix having an impact on the absorption profile of orange juice (poly)phenols, this did not influence the pharmacokinetic parameters and urinary excretion of the (poly)phenol metabolites.

Dietary fibre modifies gut microbiota: what's the role of (poly)phenols?

The association between dietary consumption of fibre and health-related gut bacteria is essential but not unique. (Poly)phenols are among the most important bioactive components contained in fibre-rich foods. For this reason, the role of (poly)phenols when considering dietary fibres and health outcomes should be taken into account, as synergic or mediating factors contributing to human health.

(Poly)phenolic Content and Profile and Antioxidant Capacity of Whole-Grain Cookies are Better Estimated by Simulated Digestion than Chemical Extraction.

It is widely recognized that the biological effects of phytochemicals cannot be attributed to the native compounds present in foods but rather to their metabolites endogenously released after intake. Bioavailability depends on bioaccessibility, which is the amount of the food constituent that is released from the matrix in the gastrointestinal tract. The use of chemical extraction to evaluate the content and profile of phytochemicals does not mirror the physiological situation in vivo, and their bioaccessibility should be considered while assessing their nutritional significance in human health. The current study was designed to compare the (poly)phenolic profile and content and antioxidant capacity of whole-grain (WG) cookies using chemical extraction and a more physiological approach based on simulated digestion. Three types of organic WG cookies (made with durum, Italian khorasan, or KAMUT® khorasan wheat) were considered, either fermented by Saccharomyces Cerevisiae or sourdough. Although the flour type and the fermentation process influenced the release of phytochemicals from the cookie matrix, in almost all samples, the simulated digestion appeared the most efficient procedure. Our results indicate that the use of chemical extraction for evaluation of the phytochemicals content and antioxidant capacity of food could lead to underestimation and underline the need for more physiological extraction methods.

The Effect of Formulation of Curcuminoids on Their Metabolism by Human Colonic Microbiota.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is the only edible plant recognized as a dietary source of curcuminoids, among which curcumin, demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bis-demethoxycurcumin (Bis-DMC) are the most representative ones. Curcumin shows a very low systemic bioavailability and for this reason, several technologies have been adopted to improve it. These technologies generally improve curcuminoid absorption in the small intestine, however, no data are available about the effect of curcuminoid formulation on colonic biotransformation. The present study aims at investigating the human colonic metabolism of curcuminoids, prepared with two different technologies, using an in vitro model. Unformulated curcuminoid and lecithin-curcuminoid botanical extracts were fermented using an in vitro fecal model and colonic catabolites were identified and quantified by uHPLC-MSn. Native compounds, mainly curcumin, DMC and bis-DMC, were metabolized by colonic microbiota within the 24-h incubation. The degradation of curcuminoids led to the formation of specific curcuminoid metabolites, among which higher concentrations of bis(demethyl)-tetrahydrocurcumin and bis(demethyl)-hexahydrocurcumin were found after lecithin-extract fermentation compared to the concentration detected after unformulated extract. In conclusion, both curcumin-based botanical extracts can be considered important sources of curcuminoids, although the lecithin-formulated extract led to a higher production of curcuminoid catabolites. Moreover, a new curcuminoid catabolite, namely bis(demethyl)-hexahydrocurcumin, has been putatively identified, opening new perspectives in the investigation of curcuminoid bioavailability and their potential metabolite bioactivity.

Phenyl-γ-valerolactones and phenylvaleric acids, the main colonic metabolites of flavan-3-ols: synthesis, analysis, bioavailability, and bioactivity.

Covering: 1958 to June 2018 Phenyl-γ-valerolactones (PVLs) and their related phenylvaleric acids (PVAs) are the main metabolites of flavan-3-ols, the major class of flavonoids in the human diet. Despite their presumed importance, these gut microbiota-derived compounds have, to date, in terms of biological activity, been considered subordinate to their parent dietary compounds, the flavan-3-ol monomers and proanthocyanidins. In this review, the role and prospects of PVLs and PVAs as key metabolites in the understanding of the health features of flavan-3-ols have been critically assessed. Among the topics covered, are proposals for a standardised nomenclature for PVLs and PVAs. The formation, bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of PVLs and PVAs from different types of flavan-3-ols are discussed, taking into account in vitro and animal studies, as well as inter-individual differences and the existence of putative flavan-3-ol metabotypes. Synthetic strategies used for the preparation of PVLs are considered and the methodologies for their identification and quantification assessed. Metabolomic approaches unravelling the role of PVLs and PVAs as biomarkers of intake are also described. Finally, the biological activity of these microbial catabolites in different experimental models is summarised. Knowledge gaps and future research are considered in this key area of dietary (poly)phenol research.

Bioavailability and pharmacokinetic profile of grape pomace phenolic compounds in humans.

Grape pomace, the major byproduct of the wine and juice industry, is a relevant source of bioactive phenolic compounds. However, polyphenol bioavailability in humans is not well understood, and the inter-individual variability in the production of phenolic metabolites has not been comprehensively assessed to date. The pharmacokinetic and excretive profiles of phenolic metabolites after the acute administration of a drink made from red grape pomace was here investigated in ten volunteers. A total of 35 and 28 phenolic metabolites were quantified in urine and plasma, respectively. The main circulating metabolites included phenyl-γ-valerolactones, hydroxybenzoic acids, simple phenols, hydroxyphenylpropionic acids, hydroxycinnamates, and (epi)catechin phase II conjugates. A high inter-individual variability was shown both in urine and plasma samples, and different patterns of circulating metabolites were unravelled by applying unsupervised multivariate analysis. Besides the huge variability in the production of microbial metabolites of colonic origin, an important variability was observed due to phase II conjugates. These results are of interest to further understand the potential health benefits of phenolic metabolites on individual basis.

Trimethylamine-N-Oxide (TMAO)-Induced Impairment of Cardiomyocyte Function and the Protective Role of Urolithin B-Glucuronide.

One of the most recently proposed candidates as a potential trigger for cardiovascular diseases is trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO). Possible direct effects of TMAO on myocardial tissue, independent of vascular damage, have been only partially explored so far. In the present study, we assessed the detrimental direct effects of TMAO on cardiomyocyte contractility and intracellular calcium dynamics, and the ability of urolithin B-glucuronide (Uro B-gluc) in counteracting TMAO-induced cell damage. Cell mechanics and calcium transients were measured, and ultrastructural analysis was performed in ventricular cardiomyocytes isolated from the heart of normal adult rats. Cells were either untreated, exposed to TMAO, or to TMAO and Uro B-gluc. TMAO exposure worsened cardiomyocyte mechanics and intracellular calcium handling, as documented by the decrease in the fraction of shortening (FS) and the maximal rate of shortening and re-lengthening, associated with reduced efficiency in the intracellular calcium removal. Ultrastructurally, TMAO-treated cardiomyocytes also exhibited glycogen accumulation, a higher number of mitochondria and lipofuscin-like pigment deposition, suggesting an altered cellular energetic metabolism and a higher rate of protein oxidative damage, respectively. Uro B-gluc led to a complete recovery of cellular contractility and calcium dynamics, and morphologically to a reduced glycogen accumulation. We demonstrated for the first time a direct negative role of TMAO on cardiomyocyte functional properties and the ability of Uro B-gluc in counteracting these detrimental effects.

The degradation of curcuminoids in a human faecal fermentation model.

In the present study, the colonic metabolism of three curcuminoids (80.1% curcumin, 15.6%, demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and 2.6% bis-demethoxycurcumin (Bis-DMC)) was evaluated using an in vitro model containing human faecal starters. The breakdown products formed were identified and characterized using different analytical platforms. Following in vitro incubation, the relative amounts of degraded curcuminoids and the produced metabolites were analyzed using a UHPLC coupled with a linear ion trap mass spectrometer, with the addition of hybrid ion trap-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer when required. Up to ∼24% of curcumin, ∼61% of demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and ∼87% of bis-demethoxycurcumin (Bis-DMC) were degraded by the human faecal microbiota after 24 h of fermentation in vitro. Three main metabolites, namely tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), dihydroferulic acid (DFA) and a metabolite with an accurate mass of 181.08734, which was tentatively identified as 1-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-propanol were detected in the fermentation cultures containing the curcuminoids. The data presented here provide insights into curcuminoid colonic metabolism, showing that bacterial breakdown products should be considered in further studies on both bioavailability bioactivity of curcumin.

Factors driving the inter-individual variability in the metabolism and bioavailability of (poly)phenolic metabolites: A systematic review of human studies.

This systematic review provides an overview of the available evidence on the inter-individual variability (IIV) in the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of phenolic metabolites and its determinants. Human studies were included investigating the metabolism and bioavailability of (poly)phenols and reporting IIV. One hundred fifty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Inter-individual differences were mainly related to gut microbiota composition and activity but also to genetic polymorphisms, age, sex, ethnicity, BMI, (patho)physiological status, and physical activity, depending on the (poly)phenol sub-class considered. Most of the IIV has been poorly characterised. Two major types of IIV were observed. One resulted in metabolite gradients that can be further classified into high and low excretors, as seen for all flavonoids, phenolic acids, prenylflavonoids, alkylresorcinols, and hydroxytyrosol. The other type of IIV is based on clusters of individuals defined by qualitative differences (producers vs. non-producers), as for ellagitannins (urolithins), isoflavones (equol and O-DMA), resveratrol (lunularin), and preliminarily for avenanthramides (dihydro-avenanthramides), or by quali-quantitative metabotypes characterized by different proportions of specific metabolites, as for flavan-3-ols, flavanones, and even isoflavones. Future works are needed to shed light on current open issues limiting our understanding of this phenomenon that likely conditions the health effects of dietary (poly)phenols.

Evaluation of In Vitro-Derived Hop Plantlets, cv. Columbus and Magnum, as Potential Source of Bioactive Compounds.

The demand for bioactive secondary metabolites of natural origin is increasing every day. Micropropagation could be a strategy to respond more quickly to market demands, regardless of seasonality. This research aims to evaluate in vitro-grown plants of two hop varieties, namely Columbus and Magnum, as a potential source of bioactive compounds. The extracts were characterized in terms of total phenolic content by a Folin-Ciocalteu assay and antioxidant capacity by DPPH•, ABTS+, and FRAP assays. The bioactive compound profile of the extracts from both varieties was determined by using UPLC-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS. The results confirmed richness in (poly)phenols and other secondary metabolites of the in vitro-grown hop plantlets. Thirty-two compounds belonging to the major families of phytochemicals characteristic of the species were identified, and twenty-six were quantified, mainly flavonoids, including xanthohumol and isoxanthohumol, phenolic acids, as well as α- and ß-acids. This study confirms the validity of in vitro-derived hop plantlets as source of bioactive compounds to be used in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and food industries.

Correction: Nutrikinetics and urinary excretion of phenolic compounds after a 16-week supplementation with a flavanone-rich ingredient.

Correction for 'Nutrikinetics and urinary excretion of phenolic compounds after a 16-week supplementation with a flavanone-rich ingredient' by Jananee Muralidharan et al., Food Funct., 2023, 14, 10506-10519, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3FO02820H.

A Systematic Review and Comprehensive Evaluation of Human Intervention Studies to Unravel the Bioavailability of Hydroxycinnamic Acids.

Significance: Hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) are the main phenolic acids in the western diet. Harmonizing the available information on the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of HCAs is fundamental to unraveling the compounds responsible for their health effects. This work systematically assessed pharmacokinetics, including urinary recovery, and bioavailability of HCAs and their metabolites, based on literature reports. Recent Advances: Forty-seven intervention studies with coffee, berries, herbs, cereals, tomato, orange, grape products, and pure compounds, as well as other sources yielding HCA metabolites, were included. Up to 105 HCA metabolites were collected, mainly acyl-quinic and C6-C3 cinnamic acids. C6-C3 cinnamic acids, such as caffeic and ferulic acid, reached the highest blood concentrations (maximum plasma concentration [Cmax] = 423 nM), with time to reach Cmax (Tmax) values ranging from 2.7 to 4.2 h. These compounds were excreted in urine in higher amounts than their phenylpropanoic acid derivatives (4% and 1% of intake, respectively), but both in a lower percentage than hydroxybenzene catabolites (11%). Data accounted for 16 and 18 main urinary and blood HCA metabolites, which were moderately bioavailable in humans (collectively 25%). Critical Issues: A relevant variability emerged. It was not possible to unequivocally assess the bioavailability of HCAs from each ingested source, and data from some plant based-foods were absent or inconsistent. Future Directions: A comprehensive study investigating the ADME of HCAs derived from their most important dietary sources is urgently required. Eight key metabolites were identified and reached interesting plasma Cmax concentrations and urinary recoveries, opening up new perspectives to evaluate their bioactivity at physiological concentrations. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 40, 510-541.

Exploring and disentangling the production of potentially bioactive phenolic catabolites from dietary (poly)phenols, phenylalanine, tyrosine and catecholamines.

Following ingestion of fruits, vegetables and derived products, (poly)phenols that are not absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract pass to the colon, where they undergo microbiota-mediated ring fission resulting in the production of a diversity of low molecular weight phenolic catabolites, which appear in the circulatory system and are excreted in urine along with their phase II metabolites. There is increasing interest in these catabolites because of their potential bioactivity and their use as biomarkers of (poly)phenol intake. Investigating the fate of dietary (poly)phenolics in the colon has become confounded as a result of the recent realisation that many of the phenolics appearing in biofluids can also be derived from the aromatic amino acids, l-phenylalanine and l-tyrosine, and to a lesser extent catecholamines, in reactions that can be catalysed by both colonic microbiota and endogenous mammalian enzymes. The available evidence, albeit currently rather limited, indicates that substantial amounts of phenolic catabolites originate from phenylalanine and tyrosine, while somewhat smaller quantities are produced from dietary (poly)phenols. This review outlines information on this topic and assesses procedures that can be used to help distinguish between phenolics originating from dietary (poly)phenols, the two aromatic amino acids and catecholamines.

Chronic consumption of a bergamot-based beverage does not affect glucose, lipid and inflammatory biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk in healthy subjects: a randomised controlled intervention study.

Background: Pure bergamot juice exerts lipid lowering effects in dyslipidemic subjects. It is unknown whether bergamot-based beverages exert similar effects in healthy subjects. Aim: To assess the effects, if any, of a bergamot-based beverage (BBB, bergamot juice ≤25%) on lipid, metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers. Methods: Forty-five healthy subjects were randomised 1 : 1 to BBB intake (400 mL day-1) (55.5%) or control (44.5%) for 12 weeks. Anthropometric (waist circumference, body mass index (BMI)) and clinical (blood pressure) parameters, blood samples (glucose, glycated haemoglobin, insulinemia, lipid profile, liver and renal function, inflammatory biomarkers) and 24-h urine for the analysis of (poly)phenol metabolites were collected at the baseline and at 12 weeks. Intakes of energy, nutrients and food groups were assessed by a 7-day dietary record. Results: Both groups exhibited a time-related significant decrease in total cholesterol (p = 0.02), fasting plasma glucose (p = 0.016), insulin (p = 0.034), BMI (p < 0.001) and waist circumference (p = 0.04), but with no significant between-arm difference. The urinary profile of metabolites from the BBB-derived (poly)phenols well discriminated the two study groups, documenting good compliance in the intervention arm. Notably, urinary bergamot 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG) -containing flavanones or derived HMG-containing metabolites were not detectable. BBB was well tolerated and no adverse events were recorded. Conclusion: This first randomized controlled trial of BBB consumption in healthy subjects showed no effects of BBB on the cardiometabolic risk profile. BBB consumption is a safe nutritional adjunct in the context of a well balanced diet.

Unravelling phenolic metabotypes in the frame of the COMBAT study, a randomized, controlled trial with cranberry supplementation.

Cranberry (poly)phenols may have potential health benefits. Circulating (poly)phenol metabolites can act as mediators of these effects, but they are subjected to an extensive inter-individual variability. This study aimed to quantify both plasma and urine (poly)phenol metabolites following a 12-week intake of a cranberry powder in healthy older adults, and to investigate inter-individual differences by considering the existence of urinary metabotypes related to dietary (poly)phenols. Up to 13 and 67 metabolites were quantified in plasma and urine respectively. Cranberry consumption led to changes in plasma metabolites, mainly hydroxycinnamates and hippuric acid. Individual variability in urinary metabolites was assessed using different data sets and a combination of statistical models. Three phenolic metabotypes were identified, colonic metabolism being the main driver for subject clustering. Metabotypes were characterized by quali-quantitative differences in the excretion of some metabolites such as phenyl-γ-valerolactones, hydroxycinnamic acids, and phenylpropanoic acids. Metabotypes were further confirmed when applying a model only focused on flavan-3-ol colonic metabolites. 5-(3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone derivatives were the most relevant metabolites for metabotyping. Metabotype allocation was well preserved after 12-week intervention. This metabotyping approach for cranberry metabolites represents an innovative step to handle the complexity of (poly)phenol metabolism in free-living conditions, deciphering the existence of metabotypes derived from the simultaneous consumption of different classes of (poly)phenols. These results will help contribute to studying the health effects of cranberries and other (poly)phenol-rich foods, mainly considering gut microbiota-driven individual differences.