Author
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Prior, Ronald |
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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 9/8/2003 Publication Date: 1/1/2004 Citation: Prior, R.L. 2004. Absorption and Metabolism of anthocyanins: Potential Health Effects. In: Meskin, M.S., Bidlack, W.R., Davies, A.J. editors. Phytochemiclas: Mechanisms of Action. 1st Edition. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. p. 1-19. Interpretive Summary: Anthocyanins are the components in many fruits that are responsible for the blue, purple, and red color of many plant tissues. This manuscript reviews literature on anthocyanins in foods and their metabolism and absorption and possible relationships to human health. The potential dietary intake of anthocyanins is fairly large (100+ mg/day) compared to other plant phytochemicals. The concentrations of anthocyanins in different fruits vary considerably as well as the individual anthocyanins present also are quite different in various fruits. Anthocyanins are absorbed intact but the proportion of that consumed may be quite low. Information is limited as to possible metabolites of anthocyanins in the human. A number of antioxidant related responses are reviewed in animal models as well as in the human. Anthocyanins can provide protection against various forms of oxidative stress in animal models, however, most of the health related responses have been observed at relatively high intakes of anthocyanins. Technical Abstract: This manuscript reviews literature on anthocyanins in foods and their metabolism and absorption and possible relationships to human health. Of the various classes of flavonoids, the potential dietary intake of anthocyanins is perhaps the greatest (100+ mg/day). The content in fruits varies considerably between 0.25 to 700 mg/100 g fresh weight. Not only does the concentration vary, but the individual specific anthocyanins present is also quite different in various fruits. Anthocyanins are absorbed intact without cleavage of the sugar to form the aglycone. The proportion of the dose that appears in the urine is quite small (<0.1 %). Plasma levels of anthocyanins are in the range of 1-120 nM following a meal high in anthocyanins, but fasting plasma levels are generally non-detectable. Information is limited as to possible metabolites of anthocyanins in the human. A number of antioxidant related responses are reviewed in animal models as well as in the human. Anthocyanins can provide protection against various forms of oxidative stress in animal models, however, most of the health related responses have been observed at relatively high intakes of anthocyanins (2-400 mg/kg BW). |
