Abstract
Recent studies indicate that plant polyphenols could be pointed as potential prebiotic candidates since they may interact with the gut microbiota, stimulating its growth and the production of metabolites. However, little is known about the fate of brown seaweeds’ phlorotannins during their passage throughout the gastrointestinal tract. This work aimed to evaluate the stability and bioaccessibility of Fucus vesiculosus phlorotannins after being submitted to a simulated digestive process, as well as their possible modulatory effects on gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids production following a fermentation procedure using fecal inoculates to mimic the conditions of the large intestine. The stability of phlorotannins throughout the gastrointestinal tract was reduced, with a bioaccessibility index between 2 and 14%. Moreover, slight alterations in the growth of certain commensal bacteria were noticed, with Enterococcus spp. being the most enhanced group. Likewise, F. vesiculosus phlorotannins displayed striking capacity to enhance the levels of propionate and butyrate, which are two important short-chain fatty acids known for their role in intestinal homeostasis. In summary, this work provides valuable information regarding the behavior of F. vesiculosus phlorotannins along the gastrointestinal tract, presenting clear evidence that these compounds can positively contribute to the maintenance of a healthy gastrointestinal condition.
Highlights
The reduction in the total phlorotannin content (TPhC) of the samples after the mouth digestion could be explained by possible interactions occurring between phlorotannins and the salivary proteins
This work provides a great contribution for the understanding of the stability of the phlorotannins of F. vesiculosus along the digestive tract, as well as their bioaccessibility and stimulatory effects toward gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production
From the portion of phlorotannins that can reach the intestinal lumen intact, only a small fraction of less than 15% will become bioaccessible and available for absorption, which indicates that the majority of these compounds will accumulate in the large intestine where they will be exposed to the metabolic activity of the gut microbiota
Summary
The human intestinal tract harbors a complex community of microorganisms, collectively termed as intestinal or gut microbiota. Throughout adulthood, the intestinal microbiota is regarded as relatively stable, it may be affected by several extrinsic factors including dietary habits, medication (especially with antibiotics), environmental pollution and exposure to xenobiotics, physical activity and hygiene [2]. When these factors cause significant changes in the composition and/or function of the gut microbiota, the whole microbial ecosystem is perturbed to an extent that exceeds its resistance and resilience capabilities, leading to a condition known as dysbiosis. Several extra-intestinal disorders such as asthma [4], systemic lupus erythematosus [5], cardiovascular disease [6]
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