Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
9.2
4.8
Journals
Nutrients
Special Issues
Dietary Bioactive Compounds and Human Health: The Role of Bioavailability
nutrients-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Nutrients Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Dietary Bioactive Compounds and Human Health: The Role of Bioavailability

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemicals and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 December 2024 | Viewed by 12655

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Carlos Adam Conte Júnior

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Center for Food Analysis (NAL-LADETEC), Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Horácio Macedo, Polo de Química, bloco C, 1281-Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil
Interests: animal science; molecular biology; biochemistry; molecular techniques; food science; food microbiology; animal-based food; bovine tuberculosis; antimicrobial resistance; analytical method development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Italo Rennan Sousa Vieira

E-Mail
Co-Guest Editor
1. Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support, Laboratory (LADETEC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, RJ, Brazil
2. Laboratory of Advanced Analysis in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (LAABBM), Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, RJ, Brazil
Interests: chemistry; polymers; nanotechnology; drug delivery systems; food science and technology; bioactive compounds; antioxidants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The relationship between dietary bioactive compounds and human health has generated significant interest within both the scientific community and the general public. These dietary phytochemicals encompass a diverse group, including polyphenols, carotenoids, phytosterols, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, prebiotics, glucosinolates, lignans, and flavonoids, which offer potential health benefits including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and the potential for prevention/treatment of chronic diseases. However, several factors can affect its solubility and bioavailability, such as molecular structure, effect of the food matrix, transporters, pH variations, and gut microbiota metabolism. Therefore, the role of dietary bioactive compounds’ bioavailability becomes fundamental to understanding the potential beneficial effects on human health. Recent alternatives have been applied to improve the absorption and bioavailability of these phytonutrients, including structural modifications, colloidal systems, and nanotechnology. Furthermore, continued research in this field promises personalized dietary recommendations that take into account individual metabolism and genetic factors, allowing for more targeted approaches to nutrition and human health promotion. Thus, this Special Issue of Nutrients, entitled “Dietary Bioactive Compounds and Human Health: The Role of Bioavailability”, welcomes high-quality original studies and review articles that examine the bioavailability of dietary bioactive compounds to improve human health.

Prof. Dr. Carlos Adam Conte Júnior
Dr. Italo Rennan Sousa Vieira
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • phytochemicals
  • phenolic compounds
  • bioactivity
  • oxidative stress
  • inflammation
  • human health
  • non-communicable diseases
  • diabetes
  • obesity
  • hypertension
  • Alzheimer's
  • cancer
  • nanotechnology
  • nanoparticles
  • nano-delivery systems

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

15 pages, 1268 KiB  
Article
The Release of Organic Acids and Low Molecular Weight Carbohydrates from Matcha Tea After In Vitro Digestion
by Jiří Nekvapil, Daniela Sumczynski, Richardos Nikolaos Salek and Martina Bučková
Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4058; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234058 - 26 Nov 2024
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study tested the influence of in vitro digestion on the release of organic acids and low molecular weight saccharides of matcha. Methods: The concentrations of analytes in the raw and undigested portion of matcha were measured using HPLC with spectrometric and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study tested the influence of in vitro digestion on the release of organic acids and low molecular weight saccharides of matcha. Methods: The concentrations of analytes in the raw and undigested portion of matcha were measured using HPLC with spectrometric and refractometric detection to establish their residual values after a two-step enzymatic digestion that was finally presented as a retention factor. Results: It was established that dry matter digestibility values after simulated gastric and both gastric and intestinal phases were 67.3 and 85.9%, respectively. Native matcha, citric acid (44.8 mg/g), malic acid (32.2 mg/g), trehalose (36.1 mg/g), and L-arabinose (8.20 mg/g) reached the highest values and were predominant, whereas D-fructose, xylose, maltose, and saccharose were not detected. Regarding gastric phase digestion, succinic and malic acids, trehalose and D-glucose were the worst-releasing compounds and their remaining factors reached 34, 19, 18, and 50%, respectively, whereas L-arabinose was completely released. Focusing on gastric and small intestinal digestion, the least-releasing compounds of matcha tea leaves were succinic acid and trehalose, with their retention factors at 7 and 13%, which can proceed with the leaf matrix to the large intestine. Conclusions: Malic, oxalic, and citric acids, the carbohydrates D-glucose, L-arabinose, and L-rhamnose, are almost entirely released from matcha tea during digestion in the stomach and small intestine and can be available for absorption in the small intestine. In the measurement of oxalic acid, considering that the process of shading tea leaves increases the concentration of this acid and its retention factor value is too small, it would be appropriate in the future to evaluate the recommended maximum daily intake of matcha tea for people sensitive to the formation of urinal stones. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Bioactive Compounds and Human Health: The Role of Bioavailability)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2772 KiB  
Article
A Novel Nutraceutical Supplement Lowers Postprandial Glucose and Insulin Levels upon a Carbohydrate-Rich Meal or Sucrose Drink Intake in Healthy Individuals—A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Feeding Study
by Giriprasad Venugopal, Rishikesh Dash, Siwani Agrawal, Sayantan Ray, Prasanta Kumar Sahoo and Balamurugan Ramadass
Nutrients 2024, 16(14), 2237; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142237 - 11 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2528
Abstract
Background: Alkaloid- and polyphenol-rich white mulberry leaf and apple peel extracts have been shown to have potential glucose-lowering effects, benefitting the control of postprandial blood glucose levels. This study aimed to determine the effect of the combination of Malus domestica peel and Morus [...] Read more.
Background: Alkaloid- and polyphenol-rich white mulberry leaf and apple peel extracts have been shown to have potential glucose-lowering effects, benefitting the control of postprandial blood glucose levels. This study aimed to determine the effect of the combination of Malus domestica peel and Morus alba leaf extracts (GLUBLOCTM) on postprandial blood glucose and insulin-lowering effects in healthy adults after a carbohydrate-rich meal or sucrose drink intake. Methods: This study was designed as a randomized, crossover, single-blinded clinical trial. Out of 116 healthy participants, 85 subjects (aged 18–60 years) completed the day 1 and 5 crossover study. On day 1, subjects were supplemented with a placebo or GLUBLOCTM tablet 10 min before the carbohydrate-rich meal (300 g of tomato rice) or sucrose drink intake (75 g of sucrose dissolved in 300 mL water). On day 5, the treatments were crossed over, and the same diet was followed. Postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels were measured on days 1 and 5 (baseline 0, post-meal 30, 60, 90, and 120 min). Differences in iAUC, Cmax, and Tmax were determined between the placebo and GLUBLOCTM-treated cohorts. Results: Significant changes in total iAUC (0–120 min), Cmax, and Tmax of postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels were noticed upon GLUBLOCTM supplementation. The percentage reduction in the iAUC of blood glucose levels was 49.78% (iAUC0–60min) and 43.36% (iAUC0–120min), respectively, compared with the placebo in the sucrose drink intake study. Similarly, there was a 41.13% (iAUC0–60min) and 20.26% (iAUC0–120min) glucose-lowering effect compared with the placebo in the carbohydrate-rich meal intake study. Conclusions: Premeal supplementation with GLUBLOCTM significantly reduced the postprandial surge in blood glucose and insulin levels after a carbohydrate-rich meal or sucrose drink intake over 120 min in healthy individuals. This study proves that GLUBLOCTM can manage steady postprandial blood glucose levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Bioactive Compounds and Human Health: The Role of Bioavailability)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

30 pages, 1570 KiB  
Review
Quantifying Withanolides in Plasma: Pharmacokinetic Studies and Analytical Methods
by Alex B Speers, Axel Lozano-Ortiz and Amala Soumyanath
Nutrients 2024, 16(22), 3836; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16223836 - 8 Nov 2024
Viewed by 658
Abstract
Withania somnifera (common name: ashwagandha; WS) is an Ayurvedic botanical that has become popular for its reputed effects on stress and insomnia. Research into the bioactive compounds responsible for the biological effects of WS has largely focused on withanolides, a group of steroidal [...] Read more.
Withania somnifera (common name: ashwagandha; WS) is an Ayurvedic botanical that has become popular for its reputed effects on stress and insomnia. Research into the bioactive compounds responsible for the biological effects of WS has largely focused on withanolides, a group of steroidal lactones commonly found in the Solanaceae family. Until recently, however, it was unclear which, if any, withanolides were present in the plasma after the ingestion of WS products. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge regarding the plasma pharmacokinetics of withanolides found in WS and the analytical methods developed to detect them in plasma. Twenty studies (sixteen animal, four human) were identified in which isolated withanolides or withanolide-containing products were administered to animals or humans and quantified in plasma. Withanolides were commonly analyzed using reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Plasma concentrations of withanolides varied significantly depending on the substance administered, withanolide dose, and route of administration. Plasma pharmacokinetics of withaferin A, withanolide A, withanolide B, withanoside IV, 12-deoxywithastramonolide, and withanone have been reported in rodents (Cmax range: 5.6–8410 ng/mL), while withaferin A, withanolide A, 12-deoxywithastramonolide, and withanoside IV pharmacokinetic parameters have been described in humans (Cmax range: 0.1–49.5 ng/mL). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Bioactive Compounds and Human Health: The Role of Bioavailability)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

31 pages, 2099 KiB  
Review
Bioactive Compounds and Their Chondroprotective Effects for Osteoarthritis Amelioration: A Focus on Nanotherapeutic Strategies, Epigenetic Modifications, and Gut Microbiota
by Kota Sri Naga Hridayanka, Asim K. Duttaroy and Sanjay Basak
Nutrients 2024, 16(21), 3587; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16213587 - 22 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1283
Abstract
In degenerative joint disease like osteoarthritis (OA), bioactive compounds like resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, curcumin, and other polyphenols often target various signalling pathways, including NFκB, TGFβ, and Wnt/β-catenin by executing epigenetic-modifying activities. Epigenetic modulation can target genes of disease pathophysiology via histone modification, promoter [...] Read more.
In degenerative joint disease like osteoarthritis (OA), bioactive compounds like resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, curcumin, and other polyphenols often target various signalling pathways, including NFκB, TGFβ, and Wnt/β-catenin by executing epigenetic-modifying activities. Epigenetic modulation can target genes of disease pathophysiology via histone modification, promoter DNA methylation, and non-coding RNA expression, some of which are directly involved in OA but have been less explored. OA patients often seek options that can improve the quality of their life in addition to existing treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Although bioactive and natural compounds exhibit therapeutic potential against OA, several disadvantages loom, like insolubility and poor bioavailability. Nanoformulated bioactive compounds promise a better way to alleviate OA since they also control systemic events, including metabolic, immunological, and inflammatory responses, by modulating host gut microbiota that can regulate OA pathogenesis. Recent data suggest gut dysbiosis in OA. However, limited evidence is available on the role of bioactive compounds as epigenetic and gut modulators in ameliorating OA. Moreover, it is not known whether the effects of polyphenolic bioactive compounds on gut microbial response are mediated by epigenetic modulatory activities in OA. This narrative review highlights the nanotherapeutic strategies utilizing bioactive compounds, reporting their effects on chondrocyte growth, metabolism, and epigenetic modifications in osteoarthritis amelioration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Bioactive Compounds and Human Health: The Role of Bioavailability)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

54 pages, 2771 KiB  
Review
Interactions between Gut Microbiota and Natural Bioactive Polysaccharides in Metabolic Diseases: Review
by Yu Pi, Miaoyu Fang, Yanpin Li, Long Cai, Ruyi Han, Wenjuan Sun, Xianren Jiang, Liang Chen, Jun Du, Zhigang Zhu and Xilong Li
Nutrients 2024, 16(17), 2838; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16172838 - 24 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1679
Abstract
The gut microbiota constitutes a complex ecosystem, comprising trillions of microbes that have co-evolved with their host over hundreds of millions of years. Over the past decade, a growing body of knowledge has underscored the intricate connections among diet, gut microbiota, and human [...] Read more.
The gut microbiota constitutes a complex ecosystem, comprising trillions of microbes that have co-evolved with their host over hundreds of millions of years. Over the past decade, a growing body of knowledge has underscored the intricate connections among diet, gut microbiota, and human health. Bioactive polysaccharides (BPs) from natural sources like medicinal plants, seaweeds, and fungi have diverse biological functions including antioxidant, immunoregulatory, and metabolic activities. Their effects are closely tied to the gut microbiota, which metabolizes BPs into health-influencing compounds. Understanding how BPs and gut microbiota interact is critical for harnessing their potential health benefits. This review provides an overview of the human gut microbiota, focusing on its role in metabolic diseases like obesity, type II diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular diseases. It explores the basic characteristics of several BPs and their impact on gut microbiota. Given their significance for human health, we summarize the biological functions of these BPs, particularly in terms of immunoregulatory activities, blood sugar, and hypolipidemic effect, thus providing a valuable reference for understanding the potential benefits of natural BPs in treating metabolic diseases. These properties make BPs promising agents for preventing and treating metabolic diseases. The comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms by which BPs exert their effects through gut microbiota opens new avenues for developing targeted therapies to improve metabolic health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Bioactive Compounds and Human Health: The Role of Bioavailability)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 2451 KiB  
Review
Application of Nanoparticles in Human Nutrition: A Review
by Ammar B. Altemimi, Halgord Ali M. Farag, Tablo H. Salih, Farhang H. Awlqadr, Alaa Jabbar Abd Al-Manhel, Italo Rennan Sousa Vieira and Carlos Adam Conte-Junior
Nutrients 2024, 16(5), 636; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16050636 - 25 Feb 2024
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5718
Abstract
Nanotechnology in human nutrition represents an innovative advance in increasing the bioavailability and efficiency of bioactive compounds. This work delves into the multifaceted dietary contributions of nanoparticles (NPs) and their utilization for improving nutrient absorption and ensuring food safety. NPs exhibit exceptional solubility, [...] Read more.
Nanotechnology in human nutrition represents an innovative advance in increasing the bioavailability and efficiency of bioactive compounds. This work delves into the multifaceted dietary contributions of nanoparticles (NPs) and their utilization for improving nutrient absorption and ensuring food safety. NPs exhibit exceptional solubility, a significant surface-to-volume ratio, and diameters ranging from 1 to 100 nm, rendering them invaluable for applications such as tissue engineering and drug delivery, as well as elevating food quality. The encapsulation of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants within NPs introduces an innovative approach to counteract nutritional instabilities and low solubility, promoting human health. Nanoencapsulation methods have included the production of nanocomposites, nanofibers, and nanoemulsions to benefit the delivery of bioactive food compounds. Nutrition-based nanotechnology and nanoceuticals are examined for their economic viability and potential to increase nutrient absorption. Although the advancement of nanotechnology in food demonstrates promising results, some limitations and concerns related to safety and regulation need to be widely discussed in future research. Thus, the potential of nanotechnology could open new paths for applications and significant advances in food, benefiting human nutrition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Bioactive Compounds and Human Health: The Role of Bioavailability)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop