NMR-based metabolomics of dried berries in comparison with dietary supplements

Abstract

Consumption of dried berries is increasing worldwide due to their health benefits. This popularity has introduced berry-based supplements as an easier way to take in berry nutrients. The chemical composition of six dried berries (blueberry, cranberry, goji berry, golden berry, maqui berry, and raspberry) were compared to their berry-based supplements by metabolomics using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Thirty-three metabolites were identified and 23 were quantified. Chemometric analysis of berries revealed that goji berry showed the highest content of amino and organic acids, while cranberry and golden berry showed a high carbohydrate content. Fatty acids were predominant in blueberry, golden berry, maqui berry, and raspberry. Additionally, an exploratory analysis of phenolic compounds in berry extracts were conducted. phenolic compounds in berry extracts could be correlated with their antioxidant activity. Additionally, derived supplements did not show similarities with their respective berry, suggesting the minimal addition of dried berry in their formulation. Thus, non-declared additives have highlighted the importance of food safety investigation.

Keywords: Additives; Berries; Chemical composition; Food safety; NMR; PCA.