Recently,
new bioactive compounds were identified in olive oil,
lipophenols, which are composed of a fatty acid (FA) and a phenolic
core, such as HT (HT-FA). However, their bioaccessibility remains
unknown. Thus, the present study uncovers the impact of the separate
phases of gastrointestinal digestion on the release and stability
of HT-FAs from oily matrices under in vitro simulated
conditions. Accordingly, it was found that the bioaccessibility of
HT derivatives is largely dependent on the type of FA that esterifies
HT, as well as the food matrix. Also, the generation of HT-FAs during
intestinal digestion was observed, with pancreatin being the enzyme
responsible, to a higher extent, for the de novo formation
of lipophenolic derivatives. These findings prompt us to identify
new applications to oily matrices and their byproducts as potential
functional ingredients for the promotion of health, where the possible
formation of new lipophenols during digestion should be taken into
consideration.