Metabolomics advances in understanding phenolic compound variability in cereals and their nutritional impacts

Cereals play a crucial role in global food security and economic development, serving as primary sources of energy, dietary fiber, and bioactive compounds. In addition to their macronutrient content, cereals are rich in phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which contribute to their nutritional and functional properties. However, the composition of these bioactive compounds is influenced by genetic factors, environmental conditions, and processing methods. Metabolomics, an advanced analytical approach, has emerged as a powerful tool for exploring the metabolic variability of cereals. Techniques such as Gas Chromatography-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS) and Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS/MS) enable the identification and quantification of diverse phenolic compounds, providing insights into their complexity and dynamics. Moreover, metabolomics has facilitated the identification of phenolic biomarkers in humans, linking dietary phenolics to potential health benefits, including reduced risks of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and cancer. The present chapter discuss the role of metabolomics in understanding phenolic compound variability in cereals, highlighting changes in metabolic profiles during crop development and processing. Additionally, it explores the implications of cereal-derived phenolics in promoting human health, emphasizing their significance in the development of functional foods. The advancements in metabolomics continue to drive innovation in cereal-based products, offering new opportunities for enhancing their nutritional and health-promoting properties.