Increased Plasma Levels of Gut-Derived Phenolics Linked to Walking and Running Following 2-Weeks Flavonoid Supplementation

Abstract

Using a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel group design, this investigation determined if the combination of 2-weeks flavonoid supplementation (329 mg/day, quercetin, anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols mixture) and a 45-minute walking bout (62.2±0.9% VO2max) enhanced the translocation of gut-derived phenolics into circulation in a group of walkers (N = 77). The walkers (flavonoid, placebo groups) were randomized to either sit or walk briskly on treadmills for 45 minutes (thus four groups: placebo-sit, placebo-walk, flavonoid-sit, flavonoid-walk). A comparator group of runners (N = 19) ingested a double flavonoid dose for 2 weeks (658 mg/day) and ran for 2.5 h (69.2±1.2% VO2max). Four blood samples were collected (pre- and post-supplementation, immediately-post- and 24-h post-exercise/rest). Of the 76 metabolites detected in this targeted analysis, 15 increased after the 2.5-h run, and when grouped were also elevated post-exercise (versus placebo-sit) for the placebo- and flavonoid-walking groups (P < 0.05). A secondary analysis showed that pre-study plasma concentrations of gut-derived phenolics in the runners were 40% higher compared to walkers (P = 0.031). These data indicate that acute exercise bouts (brisk walking, intensive running) are linked to an increased translocation of gut-derived phenolics into circulation, an effect that is amplified when combined with a 2-week period of increased flavonoid intake or chronic training as a runner.

Increased Intestinal Permeability in Older Subjects Impacts the Beneficial Effects of Dietary Polyphenols by Modulating Their Bioavailability

“…21,22 Accordingly, the dietary-driven manipulation of the intestinal microbial ecosystem with polyphenols has previously demonstrated great efficacy for improving the IP and related inflammatory processes. [23][24][25] However, to the best of our knowledge, there is currently a total lack of studies focused on determining how increased IP and associated pathological conditions occurring during aging, such as inflammation and microbial dysbiosis, may affect the bioavailability of polyphenols, and consequently impact their biological activity.…”

Plasma pharmacokinetics of (poly)phenol metabolites and catabolites after ingestion of orange juice by endurance trained men

“…This information is of value to the design of ex vivo cell-based studies aimed at elucidating the underlying modes of action of the protective effects of OJ (poly)phenols on health and well-being. Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge that the bioavailability of (poly)phenols can be expected to be amended by environmental modulators such as diet, stress, supplement intake and exercise [51,52]. Thus, future studies should consider the impact of these compounding factors on plasma levels and urinary excretion of metabolites and gut-derived phenolic catabolites.…”