The present study aimed to evaluate the metabolism and bioavailability of anthocyanins (ACN) and other phenolics from red-fleshed apple (RFA) and to define the intake biomarkers compared to common white-fleshed apple (WFA). Acute and sustained (6-week) interventions were combined in a randomized, controlled and parallel study with 121 hypercholesterolemic subjects. Another arm consuming ACN-rich infusion from aronia fruit (ARO) provided matched content and profile of ACN. Plasma, urine and faeces samples were analyzed using UPLC-MS/MS. Results showed higher bioavailability of ACN after ARO compared to RFA, showing a clear apple matrix effect. The dihydrochalcone phloretin-2'-O-glucuronide was the most discriminant intake biomarker of both apples. The urinary peonidin-3-O-galactoside was a good biomarker after both ARO and RFA intakes, whereas peonidin-O-arabinoside was reported to be specific from ARO. The elucidation of the phenolic metabolism and the selection of intake biomarkers is a promising approach to relate phenolic compounds and human health.
Keywords: Anthocyanins; Intake biomarkers; Metabolism; Red-fleshed apple; UPLC-MS/MS.
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