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Worldwide (poly)phenol intake: assessment methods and identified gaps

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Abstract

Introduction

(Poly)phenols (PPs) are plant secondary metabolites widely distributed in dietary sources, and several evidences show that consumption of PP has a positive impact in human health. However, the correct estimation of food intake and the estimation of PP content of foods are essential to associate PPs intake with health effects.

Purpose

This review aimed to gather information from several studies on PP intake in different countries, compare methods used for both assessment of food intake and PP quantification and highlight existing gaps and future directions.

Methods

Twenty-four studies of PP intake from thirteen countries were selected for analysis. The selected studies included assessment of all plant food groups contributing to PP intake, total PP content and/or content of major classes (flavonoids or phenolic acids), a large study population and both genders.

Results and Conclusion

Most studies presented daily intakes of extractable (poly)phenols. Very few studies have determined intake of non-extractable (poly)phenols, which is a very important fraction of PPs contributing to total PP intake. High heterogeneity was observed among countries regarding the intake of total PP intake and the two main PP classes. This may reflect not only different diet patterns, but also different methods used for collecting food consumption data and estimation of PP content. Thus, criteria of harmonization are suggested regarding assessment of food intake, determination of PP content in foods and validation with biomarkers.

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledge iNOVA4Health Research Unit (LISBOA-01-0145-FEDER-007344), which is cofunded by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/Ministério da Ciência e do Ensino Superior, through national funds, and by FEDER under the PT2020 Partnership Agreement. We also acknowledge Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia for grant IF/01097/2013 (C. N. S.) and Ruth Pinto for reviewing language.

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  1. Escola Superior Agrária, Instituto Politécnico de Santarém, Qta do Galinheiro, 2001-904, Santarém, Portugal

    Paula Pinto

  2. Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2781-157, Oeiras, Portugal

    Paula Pinto & Cláudia N. Santos

  3. iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901, Oeiras, Portugal

    Paula Pinto & Cláudia N. Santos

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Pinto, P., Santos, C.N. Worldwide (poly)phenol intake: assessment methods and identified gaps. Eur J Nutr 56, 1393–1408 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-016-1354-2

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