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Bioavailablility of elderberry anthocyanins
Paul E Milbury1, Guohua Cao, Ronald L Prior
1Antioxidants Research Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Room 507, 711 Washington St. Boston, MA 02111, USA. pmilbury@hnc.tufts.edu
Mechanisms of Ageing and Development
|June 5, 2002
Summary
Anthocyanins, found in colorful fruits and vegetables, are absorbed by the human body in their natural glycoside form. This study demonstrates their bioavailability and rapid excretion, challenging previous assumptions.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Epidemiological studies link fruit and vegetable consumption to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cancers.
- Anthocyanins are potent flavonoid antioxidants with potential health benefits beyond essential micronutrients.
- Growing interest in functional foods necessitates understanding polyphenol bioavailability and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of anthocyanins in humans.
- To determine if anthocyanins are absorbed in their unchanged glycosylated forms.
- To characterize the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of anthocyanins.
Main Methods:
- Human subjects consumed anthocyanin-rich foods.
- Plasma and urine samples were analyzed for the presence of anthocyanins.
- Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed to determine elimination kinetics.
Main Results:
- Anthocyanins were detected as glycosides in human plasma and urine samples.
- Plasma anthocyanin elimination followed first-order kinetics.
- Most ingested anthocyanins were excreted in urine within 4 hours.
Conclusions:
- Anthocyanins are bioavailable in humans in their glycosylated forms.
- The findings refute previous assumptions about the non-absorption of glycosylated anthocyanins.
- This research supports the inclusion of anthocyanin-rich foods in the human diet for potential health benefits.