Crop, Host, and Gut Microbiome Variation Influence Precision Nutrition: An Example of Blueberries

Abstract

Epidemiological studies have shown associations between polyphenol-rich fruit intake and bone health, and preclinical studies have shown that blueberries improve bone health. To determine the genotype and dose of blueberries that are effective in ameliorating age-related bone loss, a multi-institutional team of investigators performed in vitro, preclinical, and clinical studies on blueberry varieties that differed in flavonoid profiles. Principal component analysis was used to select blueberry genotypes that varied in anthocyanin profiles. Total phenolic content did not predict the bioavailability of polyphenolic compounds in rats. A range in bioavailability was observed in individual polyphenolic compounds across genotypes. Both alpha and beta diversity analyses indicated that gut microbiome profiles varied with blueberry dose in rats. Additionally, the identification of specific taxa, such as Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 and Coriobacteriales, increasing after blueberry consumption adds to the mounting evidence of their role in polyphenol metabolism. All of the sources of variation can inform blueberry breeding practices to influence precision nutrition.

Effect of Blueberry Supplementation on a Diet-Induced Rat Model of Prediabetes—Focus on Hepatic Lipid Deposition, Endoplasmic Stress Response and Autophagy

“…Additionally, it has been shown that the bioavailability of polyphenolic compounds in rats was not predicted by the TPC [ 67 ], further increasing the complexity of predicting the dose-biological response relationship. An example is the impact of blueberry on rat gut microbiome diversity, which seems to be dose-dependent [ 67 ]. It has been acknowledged that dietary phytochemicals can act as hormetins [ 68 ].…”

“…For instance, while Yousef et al (2013) showed blueberry TPCs ranging from 1.63 to 2.87 mg (GAE)/g [66], Weaver et al (2023) reported that the weight of blueberry powder needed to achieve the same dose of TPC (25 mg/kg BW) varied from 189 to 285 mg [67]. Additionally, it has been shown that the bioavailability of polyphenolic compounds in rats was not predicted by the TPC [67], further increasing the complexity of predicting the dose-biological response relationship. An example is the impact of blueberry on rat gut microbiome diversity, which seems to be dose-dependent [67].…”

Sorting Dietary Advice for Bone Health

“…Disadvantages of the use of bioactive compounds or foods include the variation in the active agents, if indeed the active agent is known. Using blueberry as an example, the variation in blueberry polyphenolics from the food crop through processing to health outcomes of individuals who vary in genetics and their gut microbiome was reported in a previous study 199 . The dramatic variation in polyphenolic profiles among genotypes of blueberry and subsequent variation in polyphenol metabolism, variation in the gut microbiome with blueberry dose, and variation in the female response compared with the male response to blueberry consumption on bone illustrate that one individual study with defined bioactive materials and a particular study population may not be generalizable to all blueberries Bold Polyphenol and bone health.…”

Gut microbes differ in postmenopausal women responding to prunes to maintain hip bone mineral density

“…Accumulating evidence suggests that foods rich in phenolic compounds, such as prunes, blueberries, and soybeans may be effective in protecting against postmenopausal bone loss (3). The exact mechanisms underlying the osteoprotective effects of phenolic-rich foods and supplements are largely unknown but are thought to be partly attributed to the ability of host and/or microbial phenolic metabolites to alter endogenous antioxidant capacity, to exert antiinflammatory effects, or to provide prebiotic-like modulation of the gut microbiome (4)(5)(6)(7).…”