Novel Urinary Biomarkers of Orange Juice Consumption, Interindividual Variability, and Differences with Processing...

Area of Science:

• Metabolomics
• Nutritional Science
• Human Metabolism

Background:

• Orange juice consumption is widespread.
• Processing methods may alter its nutritional profile and bioavailability.
• Understanding citrus flavonoid metabolism is crucial for health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify urinary biomarkers differentiating fresh versus processed orange juice intake.
• To investigate the metabolism and bioavailability of citrus juice polymethoxyflavones in humans.
• To explore the role of gut microbiota in metabolizing these compounds.

Main Methods:

• Untargeted metabolomics analysis of urine samples.
• Comparative analysis of biomarkers after consuming fresh and processed orange juice.
• Metabolite identification using standards and literature data.

Main Results:

• Distinct urinary biomarker profiles were observed between fresh and processed orange juice intake.
• Hydroxy-polymethoxyflavone sulfates, abscisic acid, and sinapic acid 4'-glucuronide were upregulated after processing.
• Significant interindividual variability in metabolite excretion suggested a role for gut microbiota.
• Phase II metabolites differed: flavanones were mainly glucuronides, while polymethoxyflavones were sulfates.

Conclusions:

• Urinary metabolomics can distinguish between fresh and processed orange juice consumption.
• Citrus juice processing impacts polymethoxyflavone and other metabolite excretion.
• Gut microbiota likely plays a significant role in the interindividual variability of polymethoxyflavone metabolism.
• This study provides novel insights into the human bioavailability and metabolism of citrus juice polymethoxyflavones.