Impact of Non Digestible Carbohydrate on Production of Phenolic Acids From Strawberry Juice

Polyphenol rich plant foods have been associated with several health benefits but their bioavailability is generally low. The majority of plant polyphenols are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and enter the colon where the colonic microbiota metabolise them to release a range of phenolic acids, which are now thought to be the main bioactive components related to the reduction in disease risk. Very little is known about the impact of other constituents of the diet on the metabolism and bacterial catabolism of these polyphenols. The colonic microbiota are key agents in the release of the bioactive molecules from polyphenols but also ferment non-digestible carbohydrates (NDC) such as dietary fibre to short chain fatty acids. It is likely that there are key interactions in the colonic bacteria metabolism of fibre and phenolics. We hypothesize that combination of polyphenolics and non-digestible carbohydrates (NDC) will increase the urinary output of bioactive phenolic acids.

This study will enable a better understanding of how to deliver combinations of ingredients and nutrients to achieve maximum nutritional value and health benefits.

Inclusion criteria

Self-reported healthy adults

Exclusion criteria

Antibiotic use within the last 3 months, identified gastro-intestinal diseases, on prescribed medication other than the contraceptive pill, individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Individuals who have been diagnosed as anaemic, as well as those who are allergic to any food, or paracetamol.