title: Anthocyanins and Flavanones Are More Bioavailable than Previously Perceived: A Review of Recent Evidence.
abstract: This review considers recent investigations on the bioavailability of anthocyanins and flavanones. Both flavonoids are significant dietary components and are considered to be poorly bioavailable, as only low levels of phase II metabolites appear in the circulatory system and are excreted in urine. However, when lower molecular weight phenolic and aromatic ring-fission catabolites, produced primarily by the action of the colonic microbiota, are taken into account, it is evident that anthocyanins and flavanones are much more bioavailable than previously envisaged. The metabolic events to which these flavonoids are subjected as they pass along the gastrointestinal tract and are absorbed into the circulatory system prior to their rapid elimination by renal excretion are highlighted. Studies on the impact of other food components and the probiotic intake on flavonoid bioavailability are summarized, as is the bioactivity of metabolites and catabolites assayed using a variety of in vitro model systems.
authors.affiliation: Food Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, Plants for Human Health Institute, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Research Campus, Kannapolis, North Carolina 28081.
authors.forename: Colin D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Kay
authors.affiliation: Andalusian Institute of Agricultural and Fishery Research and Training, IFAPA, Alameda del Obispo, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.
authors.forename: Gema
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pereira-Caro
authors.affiliation: Department of Food Technology, Universitat de Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain.
authors.forename: Iziar A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Ludwig
authors.affiliation: School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 5XH, Surrey, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Michael N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Clifford
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, California 95616-5270; email: alan.crozier44@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Crozier
mesh_terms: D000872:Anthocyanins / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000652:urine; D001682:Biological Availability; D003106:Colon / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology; D004032:Diet; D044950:Flavanones / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000652:urine; D005638:Fruit / Q000378:metabolism; D000069196:Gastrointestinal Microbiome; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000378:metabolism; D010636:Phenols / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D014675:Vegetables / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000872:Anthocyanins; D044950:Flavanones; D010636:Phenols
keywords: anthocyanins; bioactivity; bioavailability; flavanones