(P03-024-24) Characterization of Plasma and Urinary (Poly)phenolic Metabolites Profiles After Four-Week Mixed Berries Consumption With or Without Fructo-Oligosaccharides

Objectives: Strawberries and red raspberries are rich in anthocyanins, ellagitannins and other (poly)phenolic compounds. The objective of this study was to characterize (poly)phenol metabolites in plasma and urine samples after 4-week strawberry and red raspberry consumption with or without fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) in adults with low-grade inflammation.

Methods: This clinical trial was a randomized, controlled, double-blinded, 4-arm, 4-week parallel design (ClinicalTrail.gov NCT04100200). Participants with chronic low-grade inflammation (hs-CRP >1.0 mg/L, n = 95, age 35±13 years, BMI 31.3±10.4 kg/m², mean±SD) were randomized to receive one of four study drinks (mixed berries (MB) drink containing 17 g freeze-dried red raspberry and 15 g freeze-dried strawberry with/without 8 g FOS or control drink with/without 8 g FOS). Participants consumed study beverages once daily for 4 weeks. Plasma and urine samples collected at baseline (week 0) and end of the study (week 4), were pooled separately and analyzed on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight (UHPLC-Q-TOF). Metabolite compounds were tentatively identified by their exact mass, fragmentation patterns and available standard reference compounds.

Results: A total of 142 metabolites were tentatively identified in urine and plasma samples, including 93 phenolic acids from groups of benzaldehydes, benzoic acids, cinnamic acid, hippuric acids, phenyl acetic acids and phenyl propionic acids, 21 conjugated anthocyanins, 11 urolithins and 17 valerolactones, in the parent and conjugated glucuronide and sulfate forms. Isomers of dihydroxy valerolactone and dihydroxy valerolactone sulfate were found only in urine samples after 4-week MB beverage intake. Urolithins were only detected in urine and plasma samples after 4-week MB beverage intake, and not in the baseline samples or control with/without FOS samples.

Conclusions: Phytochemicals from red raspberries and strawberries are biotransformed, absorbed, metabolized, circulated and excreted from the human body as various smaller compounds, including different phenolic acids. Cyanidin and pelargonidin can be used as biomarkers of berry intake.

Funding Sources: This work is supported by Agricultural and Food Research Initiative from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.