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Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Dietary Bioactive Compounds

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 April 2025 | Viewed by 19211

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Dr. Celia Rodriguez Perez

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Guest Editor

Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
Interests: metabolomics; chromatography; mass spectrometry; green extraction techniques; bioactive compounds; phenolic compounds; nutrition; metabolic diseases; cognitive impairment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Vito Verardo

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Guest Editor

1. Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Granada, Campus of Cartuja, 18011 Granada, Spain
2. Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Granada, Avda Fuentenueva, 18071 Granada, Spain
Interests: antioxidants; natural product chemistry; antioxidant activity; phytochemicals; lipids; lipid oxidation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Many changes in the dietary habits of the population, characterized by high intake of energy, red meat, sugars, salt, and fats and the low consumption of whole-grain cereals, fruit and vegetables, legumes, and nuts, make current food consumption patterns unsustainable from a health point of view. Along with this negative trend, it is possible to observe an increasing demand for food-based products that are capable of preventing or alleviating different diseases. Health benefits beyond the basic nutritional value are related to their composition in bioactive compounds. For this reason, the search for bioactive compounds from natural sources and the evaluation of their bioactivity is being increasingly undertaken with the purpose of helping consumers maintain or improve their quality of life. Additionally, bioactive compounds are being used increasingly for nutraceuticals and functional food development.

This research topic aims to increase the knowledge of bioactive compound composition in different foods, including plants or plant-based by-products that have a potential beneficial impact on health.

We welcome reviews (systematic and narrative) and mini-reviews, original research papers (in vitro and in vivo), perspective papers, hypothesis and theory papers, methods papers, and case reports.

Dr. Celia Rodriguez Perez
Dr. Vito Verardo
Guest Editors

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Keywords

bioactive compounds
health
diet
by-products
plant-based foods
bioactivity
functional foods
nutraceuticals
phytochemicals
characterization

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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16 pages, 3190 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutrient–Nutrient Interactions Among Broccoli Glucosinolates and Their Implications for Breeding Cruciferous Crops to Enhance Human Health

by Weston Bussler, Katelyn DeZego, Holli Chandler, Robert W. Reid and Slavko Komarnytsky

Nutrients 2025, 17(2), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17020344 - 18 Jan 2025

Viewed by 692

Abstract

While a balanced diet can fulfill most nutritional needs, optimizing the composition of specific foods like broccoli can amplify their health benefits. Background/Objectives: Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. Italica group) is a widely consumed cruciferous vegetable valued for its gastrointestinal and immune health benefits. However, the individual contributions and interactions of broccoli glucosinolates, as they hydrolyze into bioactive isothiocyanates, remain poorly understood. Methods: This study investigated mixtures of four major aliphatic glucosinolates—glucoraphanin, gluconapin, progoitrin, and sinigrin—in individual and combinational models to assess their effects on human colorectal cell proliferation. Results: Combination index analysis revealed moderate to strong antagonistic interactions among these glucosinolates, with the most significant antagonism observed during enzymatic hydrolysis by myrosinase. Mixture analysis identified an optimal glucosinolate ratio including glucoraphanin (81–84%), gluconapin (9–19%), and others (0–7%) to maximize their antiproliferative effects (adjusted R² > 0.80). This optimal profile was achievable within the target broccoli mapping population. Testing the near-optimal VB067 isogenic broccoli line showed a 44% increase in antiproliferative activity compared to the initial breeding parent or an average sister line. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of leveraging nutrient–nutrient interactions to guide molecular breeding and produce functional varieties of cruciferous vegetables with optimized health benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Dietary Bioactive Compounds)

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23 pages, 1557 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutritional Profile and Chlorophyll Intake of Collard Green as a Convenience Food

by Elisa Canazza, Paolo Tessari, Christine Mayr Marangon and Anna Lante

Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4015; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234015 - 23 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1411

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Collard green (Brassica oleracea var. viridis) is widely cultivated for its adaptability and nutritional benefits. This study examines the nutritional composition and chlorophyll content of the “Couve-Manteiga” cultivar grown in Italy, emphasizing its potential application in convenience foods, such as fresh-cut, fifth-range, and freeze-dried products, to enhance chlorophyll intake in the population. Methods: The leaves of collard greens were analyzed for proximate composition, mineral content, amino acid and fatty acid profiles, and chlorophyll levels. Chlorophyll retention was measured after sous vide cooking and freeze-drying to assess the efficacy of these preservation methods. The chlorophyll content of different product formats was quantified, and potential dietary contributions were estimated based on consumption data. Results: Collard greens exhibited a low caloric value (30.66 kcal/100 g), with high levels of dietary fiber (3.39 g/100 g), protein (3.01 g/100 g), calcium (333.09 mg/100 g), and potassium (215.53 mg/100 g). The amino acid profile revealed an essential to non-essential amino acid ratio of 0.72. Chlorophyll retention was notably high in both freeze-dried (97.66%) and sous-vide cooked products (83.5%), indicating the effectiveness of these methods in preserving chlorophyll content compared to fresh-cut leaves. Conclusions: The results suggest that convenience foods made from collard green leaves provide an accessible means to boost chlorophyll intake and enhance daily nutrition, offering a practical solution for increasing the consumption of this nutrient-rich vegetable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Dietary Bioactive Compounds)

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16 pages, 1730 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Mechanistic Studies of a Standardized Sustainable Grape Seed Extract for Potential Application as a Mood-Modulating and Cognition-Enhancing Supplement

by Gozde Hasbal-Celikok, Mehtap Kara, Marta Sánchez, Claudia Owsianik, Pilar Gómez-Serranillos, Tugba Yilmaz-Ozden, Ezgi Öztaş, Özge Sultan Zengin, Gul Ozhan, Nazli Arda, Merve Tunc, Sumeyye Sahin, Areaba Shafiq, Ayesha Kanwal, Hunaiba I. Ujjan, Fazle Rabbani, Giovanna Petrangolini and Amjad Khan

Nutrients 2024, 16(20), 3459; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16203459 - 12 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1903

Abstract

Background: Grape seed extract (GSE) from Vitis vinifera L. is rich in polyphenols and oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs), and it has shown potential benefits in managing low mood and cognitive function. In this study, we investigated the potential bioactivities of Enovita^®, a standardized GSE extract (GSEe herein) rich in OPCs, in key mechanistic pathways related to low mood conditions and cognitive function. Methods: In vitro assays were conducted to assess GSEe’s inhibitory effects on γ-aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA-T) and monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), its binding affinity to the GABA site of GABA-A receptors, and its effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Its neuroprotective effects on human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells under oxidative stress (induced by H₂O₂) were assessed using MTT and LDH release assays. Its antioxidant activities were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, ORAC, HORAC, total phenolic content, and TAS assays. Its cytotoxicity was also evaluated. Results: GSEe showed significant GABA-T inhibitory activity. It also exhibited MAO-A and AChE inhibition, along with moderate binding affinity to the GABA-A receptor. In neuroprotective assays, GSEe provided significant protection to SH-SY5Y cells against oxidative stress. GSEe demonstrated robust antioxidant activity in all assays, including scavenging of DPPH and ABTS radicals, high ferric-reducing power, high polyphenolic contents, and a substantial total antioxidant capacity. Conclusions: GSEe exhibits promising bioactivities, highlighting its potential as a supplement for modulating mood and enhancing cognitive function. Overall, the promising results from these in vitro studies provide a strong foundation for the continued exploration and development of GSEe as a viable natural supplement for enhancing mental health and cognitive function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Dietary Bioactive Compounds)

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15 pages, 3518 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Mechanism Involved in the Inhibition of Resveratrol and Genistein on the Contractility of Isolated Rat Uterus Smooth Muscle

by Qin Ma, Yudong Wang, Wei Zhang, Zhongrui Du, Zhifeng Tian and Hongfang Li

Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3417; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193417 - 9 Oct 2024

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Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effects of the phytoestrogens resveratrol (RES) and genistein (GEN) on the contractility of isolated uterine smooth muscle from rats, focusing on both spontaneous and stimulated contractions, and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Uterine strips were suspended vertically in perfusion chambers containing Kreb’s solution, various concentrations of RES and GEN were added to the ex vivo uterine strips, and contractions were measured before and after incubation with RES or GEN. Results: (1) Both RES and GEN inhibited K⁺-induced contractions in a dose-dependent manner; the β/β₂-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol (PRO), ICI118551, the ATP-dependent K⁺ channel blocker glibenclamide (HB-419) and the NO synthase inhibitor N-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) diminished the inhibitory effects of RES and GEN on K⁺-induced contractions. (2) RES and GEN also dose-dependently inhibited PGF_2α-induced uterine contractions. (3) The inhibitory effects of RES and GEN were observed in spontaneous contractile activities as well; PRO, ICI118551, HB-419 and L-NNA attenuated the inhibitory effects of RES and GEN on the spontaneous contractions of isolated uterine muscle strips. (4) RES and GEN significantly decreased the cumulative concentration response of Ca²⁺ and shifted the Ca²⁺ cumulative concentration–response curves to the right in high-K⁺ Ca²⁺-free Kreb’s solution. (5) RES and GEN markedly reduced the first phasic contraction induced by oxytocin, acetylcholine, and prostaglandin F_2α but did not alter the second phasic contraction caused by CaCl₂ in Ca²⁺-free Kreb’s solution. Conclusions: RES and GEN can directly inhibit both spontaneous and activated contractions of isolated uterine smooth muscle. The mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effects of RES and GEN likely involve β adrenergic receptor activation, reduced Ca²⁺ influx and release, the activation of ATP-dependent K⁺ channels and increased NO production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Dietary Bioactive Compounds)

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13 pages, 1432 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plant Sterol-Enriched Palm Oil Intervention to Improve Lipid Profile and Inflammation Status in Hyperlipidemic Individuals

by Mira Dewi, Drajat Martianto, Nuri Andarwulan, Renata Kazimierczak and Dominika Średnicka-Tober

Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3370; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193370 - 3 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1683

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease (CHD), are currently positioned among the leading causes of mortality globally. Risk factors of CHD include, among others, hypercholesterolemia and elevations in systemic inflammation. Functional foods enriched with compounds showing cholesterol-lowering effects are considered one among various dietary and lifestyle intervention strategies to tackle this problem. A CHD-preventive effect of dietary plant sterols has been broadly discussed, not only due to their ability to reduce blood cholesterol level, but also to their proven anti-inflammatory potential. Palm oil is one of the most widely consumed edible oils in the world. Despite its widespread use, especially in Asian countries, no study has been conducted using palm oil as a vehicle for plant sterols. Methods: The aim of the placebo-controlled double-blinded trial presented here was, therefore, to evaluate the effect of palm oil enriched with plant sterols, used as a cooking oil, on lipid profile and systemic inflammation marker in 100 adult hyperlipidemic residents of Bogor, Indonesia. Results: The study has shown a significant reduction in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol level in study subjects consuming plant sterol-enriched palm oil as a replacement for usual palm oil for cooking, with no similar effect on CRP levels. Conclusions: The study suggests that, along with a healthy diet and lifestyle promotion, incorporating plant sterols in palm oil used for cooking may be an effective strategy to reduce cardiovascular risks in hyperlipidemic individuals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Dietary Bioactive Compounds)

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20 pages, 5152 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polyphenol-Rich Cranberry Beverage Positively Affected Skin Health, Skin Lipids, Skin Microbiome, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Women in a Randomized Controlled Trial

by Lindsey Christman, Anna De Benedetto, Elizabeth Johnson, Christina Khoo and Liwei Gu

Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3126; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183126 - 16 Sep 2024

Viewed by 2752

Abstract

This study aimed to determine whether a polyphenol-rich cranberry beverage affects skin properties, lipids, and the microbiome in women using a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over design. Twenty-two women with Fitzpatrick skin types 2–3 were randomized to drink a cranberry beverage or placebo for six weeks. After a 21-day washout, they consumed the opposite beverage for six weeks. Six weeks of cranberry beverage significantly reduced UVB-induced erythema, improved net elasticity on the face and forearm, smoothness on the face, and gross elasticity on the forearm compared to the placebo. When stratified by age, these effects of the cranberry beverage were primarily observed in women >40 years old. SOD activities were improved after six weeks of cranberry beverage consumption compared to the placebo, while glutathione peroxide and TNF-α were improved compared to baseline. These effects were found to differ by age group. Skin lipid composition was modulated by both the cranberry beverage and the placebo. Cranberry beverages did not change α- or β-diversity but altered the abundance of several skin microbes at the species and strain level. Consumption of a cranberry beverage for six weeks improved specific skin properties and oxidative stress and modulated skin lipids and microbiome compared to placebo. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Dietary Bioactive Compounds)

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10 pages, 881 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Alternative Nutritional Source Hawthorn Vinegar: How It Interacts with Protein, Glucose and GLP-1

by Nilay Seyidoglu, Deniz Karakçı, Hale Ergin Eğritağ and Seydi Yıkmış

Nutrients 2024, 16(13), 2163; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16132163 - 8 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1584

Abstract

(1) Background: There is a balance between nutrition, glycemic control, and immune response. Their roles in physiological mechanisms are essential for maintaining life quality. This study aimed to evaluate hawthorn vinegar’s metabolic effects, and describe its possible mechanism. We also pointed out several vinegar production methods to clarify the antioxidant features. (2) Methods: In the study, three vinegar techniques were applied to vinegar: traditional production of hawthorn vinegar (N), thermal pasteurization (P), and ultrasound method (U). Thirty-two female adult Wistar albino rats were randomly separated into four groups: Control, N1 (regular vinegar; 1 mL/kg bw), P1 (pasteurized vinegar; 1 mL/kg bw), and U1(ultrasound treated vinegar; 1 mL/kg bw). Vinegar was administered by oral gavage daily for 45 days. Initial and final weights, the percentage changes of body weight gains, and Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) values of plasma and liver were measured. The total protein, globulin, and albumin values of plasma, liver, and intestinal tissue were determined. In addition, plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose concentrations were evaluated. (3) Results: There was a statistical increase in total intestinal protein value and an increasing tendency in total protein in plasma and liver in group U1 compared to group Control. However, the GGT concentrations in plasma and liver were slightly lower in group U1 than in group Control. In addition, there were significant increases in plasma GLP-1 values in all experimental groups compared to the Control group (p: 0.015; 576.80 ± 56.06, 773.10 ± 28.92, 700.70 ± 17.05 and 735.00 ± 40.70; respectively groups control, N1, P1, and U1). Also, liver GLP-1 concentrations in groups P1 and U1 were higher than in group Control (p: 0.005; 968.00 ± 25.54, 1176 ± 17.54 and 1174.00 ± 44.06, respectively groups control, P1 and U1). On the other hand, significant decreases were found in plasma glucose concentrations in groups N1 and U1 as to the Control group (p: 0.02; Control: 189.90 ± 15.22, N1: 133.10 ± 7.32 and U1: 142.30 ± 4.14). Besides, liver glucose levels were lower in all experimental groups than in group Control statistically (p: 0.010; 53.47 ± 0.97, 37.99 ± 1.46, 44.52 ± 4.05 and 44.57 ± 2.39, respectively groups control, N1, P1, and U1). (4) Conclusions: The findings suggest that hawthorn vinegar can balance normal physiological conditions via intestinal health, protein profiles, and glycemic control. Additionally, ultrasound application of vinegar may improve the ability of hawthorn vinegar, and have positive effects on general health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Dietary Bioactive Compounds)

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21 pages, 508 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Parallel Group Nutritional Study to Evaluate the Effects of Routine Intake of Fresh vs. Pasteurized Yogurt on the Immune System in Healthy Adults

by Fernando Rivero-Pino, Mar Casquete, Maria José Castro, Paz Redondo del Rio, Eloina Gutierrez, Agustín Mayo-Iscar, Mercedes Nocito and Alfredo Corell

Nutrients 2024, 16(12), 1969; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16121969 - 20 Jun 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2250

Abstract

The immune system is affected by the dietary products humans intake. Immune system regulation by nutrition has uses in the clinical context, but it can also benefit healthy populations by delaying or preventing the emergence of immune-mediated chronic illnesses. In this study, the purpose was to describe and compare the modulator effects on the immune system of the routine ingestion of fresh vs. pasteurized yogurt. A unicentral, prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel group 8-week nutritional study was carried out comparing the ingestion of 125 g of the products in healthy adults three times a day. A complete battery of in vitro tests on the activity of the immune system, processes and phenomena was performed. Exclusive immune-modulatory effects of fresh yogurt with respect to base line were found in terms of increased systemic IgM (primary immune responses), increased synthesis of IFN-gamma upon stimulation (Th1) and increased peripheral T cells (mainly “naive” CD4s). In the three interventions, we observed an increased phagocytic activity and burst test in granulocytes, together with increased secretion of IL-6, IL-1 β and IL-8 (pro-inflammatory) and increased CD16 expression (FcR favoring phagocytosis) in granulocytes. Overall, it is concluded that regardless of bacteria being alive or thermally inactivated, yogurt has common effects on the innate system, but the presence of live bacteria is necessary to achieve a potentiating effect on the specific immune response. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Dietary Bioactive Compounds)

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12 pages, 5150 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hawthorn Vinegar in Health with a Focus on Immune Responses

by Nilay Seyidoglu, Deniz Karakçı, Buket Bakır and Seydi Yıkmış

Nutrients 2024, 16(12), 1868; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16121868 - 14 Jun 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1372

Abstract

Background: The hawthorn fruit is an interesting medicinal plant that has several biological features, especially related to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune-modulating actions, and boosting general health. In this study, we aimed to clarify the immunological effects of hawthorn vinegar on immunity and general health. We also focused on three different production processes to improve the antioxidant activity of hawthorn vinegar (2) Methods: In the study, besides the traditional production of hawthorn vinegar (N), thermal pasteurization (P) and ultrasound (U) techniques were applied to vinegars. A total of 56 female adult Wistar albino rats were randomly allocated into seven groups; Control, N0.5 (regular vinegar; 0.5 mL/kgbw), N1 (regular vinegar; 1 mL/kgbw), P0.5 (pasteurized vinegar; 0.5 mL/kgbw), P1 (pasteurized vinegar; 1 mL/kgbw), U0.5 (ultrasound treated vinegar; 0.5 mL/kgbw), and U1 (ultrasound treated vinegar; 1 mL/kgbw). Vinegars were administered by oral gavage daily. The average weight gains, body mass index, and blood hematological parameters were measured, and the Neutrophil Lymphocyte ratio was calculated. The plasma IL-1β and TNF-α values, and MDA, IL-1β and TNF-α values of intestinal tissue, were determined. Also, the streptavidin–biotin–peroxidase complex method was applied to determine the expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β in duodenum. (3) Results: There was a decreasing tendency in the average weight gains in all vinegar groups compared to the control group. In addition, there was an increase in NL ratio in all vinegar groups, although not significant. There were no statistical differences among all vinegar groups, although decreases were observed in plasma IL-1β. Also, the plasma TNF-α values showed slight increases in high-dose-of-vinegar groups (N1, P1 and U1), although not significant. In addition, the intestinal tissue IL-1β value tended to increase in groups N0.5, N1 and P0.5, while it tended to decrease in P1, U0.5 and U1. On the other hand, there were slight increases in the TNF-α values of intestinal tissue in all groups compared to control, although these were not significant. Furthermore, the intensive expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β were determined in groups U0.5 and U1. (4) Conclusions: The results suggest that either high doses or ultrasound applications of hawthorn vinegar have positive effects on intestinal health, boosting immunity and general health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Dietary Bioactive Compounds)

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14 pages, 1180 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mixture of Rhodiola rosea and Nelumbo nucifera Extracts Ameliorates Sleep Quality of Adults with Sleep Disturbance

by Yunna Kim, Won Kyung Lee, Hyein Jeong, Hyuck Jai Choi, Mi-Kyung Lee and Seung-Hun Cho

Nutrients 2024, 16(12), 1867; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16121867 - 14 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1894

Abstract

Chronic sleep disturbance affects daily functioning, leading to decreased concentration, fatigue, and higher healthcare costs. Traditional insomnia medications are often associated with adverse side effects. This study investigated the efficacy of a novel compound derived from Rhodiola rosea and Nelumbo nucifera extracts (named RNE) in improving sleep quality with fewer side effects. The study included individuals between the ages of 20 and 65 with subthreshold insomnia and evaluated the effects of RNE on sleep, fatigue, and quality of life. Participants took 750 mg of RNE daily at bed-time for two weeks. The study used the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a sleep diary, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) for assessments. Of the 20 participants, 13 completed the study and showed significant improvements in sleep quality. The results showed improvements in ISI and PSQI scores, a 57% reduction in wake-time after sleep onset, and improved sleep efficiency. Although FSS scores remained unchanged, significant improvements were seen in SF-36 physical and mental health scores. The results suggest that RNE is an effective, low-risk option for sleep disturbance, significantly improving sleep quality and overall wellbeing without significant side effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Dietary Bioactive Compounds)

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16 pages, 1138 KiB

Open AccessReview

Does Encapsulation Improve the Bioavailability of Polyphenols in Humans? A Concise Review Based on In Vivo Human Studies

by Ali Ali Redha, Chamali Kodikara and Daniel Cozzolino

Nutrients 2024, 16(21), 3625; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16213625 - 25 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1427

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Polyphenols offer an array of health benefits that can contribute to well-being. Nevertheless, their bioactivity can be compromised due to their low bioavailability. Encapsulation has been explored as a strategy to enhance the stability and bioavailability of polyphenols. During encapsulation, polyphenols are protected from degradation by a wall material that acts as a protective coating. This coating shields the polyphenols from the harsh physiological conditions of digestion, ensuring their delivery to the intestine. However, the majority of evidence, particularly regarding bioavailability after digestion, is derived from in vitro studies. While these studies provide valuable preliminary insights, they cannot definitively confirm the effects in vivo due to their inability to accurately replicate physiological conditions and the complex gut microbial ecosystem. Consequently, this review seeks to evaluate the current evidence from in vivo human studies to elucidate the efficacy of encapsulation in improving polyphenols’ bioavailability. Results and conclusions: Current clinical evidence on the impact of encapsulation on polyphenol bioavailability is primarily focused on polyphenols derived from grape pomace, cocoa, and bilberries, as well as individual polyphenols such as fisetin, hesperidin, and curcumin. Encapsulation has been an effective technique in improving the bioavailability of individual polyphenols like hesperidin, fisetin, and curcumin. However, this approach has not yielded consistent results when applied to groups of polyphenols, such as bilberry anthocyanins or cocoa phenolic acids. Encapsulation by micellization has shown promising results in improving the bioavailability of curcumin in a nutraceutical context. Further studies are needed to explore the bioavailability of encapsulated polyphenols, especially in the functional food context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Dietary Bioactive Compounds)

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