Flavanol Bioavailability in Two Cocoa Products with Different Phenolic Content. A Comparative Study in Humans

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Pharmacokinetics
• Food Science

Background:

• Cocoa consumption is linked to health benefits, attributed to its flavanol content.
• Understanding the absorption and metabolism of cocoa polyphenols is crucial for elucidating these effects.
• Two soluble cocoa products, conventional (CC) and flavanol-rich (CC-PP), were compared.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the absorption and metabolism of polyphenols from conventional and flavanol-rich cocoa products.
• To identify potential biomarkers of cocoa flavanol intake.
• To investigate the bioavailability and metabolic fate of cocoa flavanols in humans.

Main Methods:

• A crossover, randomized, blind study involving 13 healthy participants.
• Consumption of CC (15 g) or CC-PP (25 g) in semi-skimmed milk.
• Analysis of blood and urine samples using HPLC-ESI-QToF-MS to identify and quantify metabolites.

Main Results:

• Up to 10 plasma and 30 urine metabolites were identified.
• Phase II epicatechin derivatives suggested small intestine absorption.
• Abundant metabolites were phenyl-γ-valerolactone and phenylvaleric acid derivatives, formed in the colon.
• 5-(4 ahydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone-sulfate identified as a potential biomarker.
• Dose-dependent absorption of cocoa flavanols observed, with 35% recovery.

Conclusions:

• Cocoa flavanols exhibit moderate bioavailability and undergo extensive metabolism.
• Colonic microbiota play a significant role in the metabolism of cocoa flavanols.
• 5-(4 ahydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone-sulfate shows promise as a sensitive biomarker for cocoa flavanol intake.