Dietary Polyphenols: Unlocking the Secrets of Metabolism and Health Effects

Are you curious about the health benefits of polyphenols, a group of bioactive compounds found in plant-based foods and derivatives? Consumer interest in functional foods has grown significantly in recent years, driven by the potential protective effects of polyphenols against chronic diseases.

The Bioavailability Conundrum

Although preclinical and observational studies have suggested that polyphenols may have protective properties, evidence has shown that most dietary polyphenols have limited bioavailability. Ingested polyphenols are rapidly metabolized by intestinal enzymes or the gut microbiota, resulting in extensive phase-II metabolism and the formation of conjugated metabolites.

These metabolites circulate in the systemic circulation, where they can trigger biological effects in various tissues. However, the composition of the gut microbiota and individual genetics influence the production of polyphenol-derived metabolites, leading to interindividual variability in biological activity.

The Importance of Clinical Investigations

To fully understand the health effects of polyphenols, further clinical investigations are necessary. This is particularly important, as not all metabolites exhibit the same biological activity in different individuals. Dietary Polyphenols, a comprehensive volume, addresses this knowledge gap by presenting the latest findings on polyphenol metabolism and reviewing the current evidence on their health effects and bioavailable metabolites.

A Critical Review of Polyphenol Metabolism and Health Effects

This authoritative volume features contributions from recognized experts in the field, exploring specific families of extractable and non-extractable phenolic compounds that exhibit potential health effects. Topics include:

• Structural diversity of polyphenols and distribution in foods
• Bioavailability and bioaccessibility of phenolics
• Metabolism, gastrointestinal absorption, and health effects of various metabolites
• The critical role of gut microbiota in polyphenol metabolism and health effects
• Analytical methods for identifying and quantifying polyphenols in foods and biological samples
• Recent epidemiological and clinical intervention studies showing protective effects of polyphenols

Dietary Polyphenols: Metabolism and Health Effects is an essential resource for scientists, health professionals, nutritionists, dieticians, and clinical researchers interested in the role of polyphenols in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.

Publisher: Wiley | Language: English | ISBN: 9781119563723, 9781119563716 | Publication Date: October 20, 2020