Modern changes in fruit intake patterns modulate the bioavailability and metabolism of fruit phenolic compounds in rats

Abstract

The consumption pattern of some foods like fruits has considerably changed. Currently, fruits can be consumed out of their season, from different geographical origins or cultivated under different systems (i.e. organic or conventional). Fruits are rich in polyphenols and its consumption is considered beneficial for the prevention of metabolic pathologies such as obesity, whose incidence has considerably increased. However, the dietary patterns previously mentioned and obesity per se can affect the bioavailability and metabolism of these compounds, modifying that way their metabolites, which are the compounds potentially responsible for their bioactivity. The aim of this thesis is to evaluate whether the current changes in fruit consumption patterns influence the bioavailability and metabolism of their polyphenols in rats. First, the extraction of different seasonal fruits (apricots, cherries, grapes and oranges) was optimised to characterise their phenolic profile in detail. Then, the study of whether geographical origin and season consumption of oranges affected the bioavailability and metabolism of their polyphenols in rats followed. Finally, the evaluation of whether the bioavailability and metabolism of grape polyphenols was affected by grape culture system, season consumption and host’s metabolic state was conducted