[Consumption of phenolic compounds in the elderly population]

Introduction: currently, the elderly population is increasing and with it, the presence of diseases. Phenolic compounds are substances that have antioxidant properties which can impact on the prevention of oxidative damage, closely related to the onset of various diseases. Most phenolic compounds are bioaccessible and bioavailable through mechanical, enzymatic and chemical routes. However, during aging these factors are modified, affecting the absorption of these compounds. Objective: to know the recent information related to the consumption of phenolic compounds and implications for health in the elderly. Methods: a search was made in different academic bases and/or search engines (EBSCOHOST, PubMed and Science Direct) about total phenol consumption in older adults. This information was analyzed and subclassified considering chronic diseases. Results: older adults have an intake of phenolic compounds ranging from 280 ± 130 to 2,771 ± 1,552 mg/day and the amount that reflects a benefit against cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome and diabetes in older adults ranges from 322 ± 153 to 2,861 mg/day. Conclusion: in some cases, the consumption of polyphenols in the elderly is not enough to generate a prevention against different diseases, so increasing their quantity is recommended. There are different situations that modify bioaccessibility and bioavailability, including the deficiency of polyphenol transporters, so the amount needed is modified to carry out its action in the body. There are few studies of this type in this population, so more research is recommended.