Are there age-related changes in flavonoid bioavailability?

Authors: CHEN, CHUNG-YEN - JM USDA HNRCA @ TUFTS; Blumberg, Jeffrey

Submitted to: Phytochemicals
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/2/2007
Publication Date: 5/1/2008
Citation: Chen, C., Blumberg, J. 2008. Are there age-related changes in flavonoid bioavailability?. In: Meskin, MS, Biddlock, WR, Randolph, RK, editors. Phytochemicals, Aging, and Health. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. p. 19-37.

Interpretive Summary: The risk of chronic disease associated with aging is largely the result of a progressive loss of physiological and physical functions and reserves and impaired adaptive mechanisms to environmental and endogenous stresses. It is also evident that diets characterized by generous intakes of flavonoid-rich plant foods and low in saturated and trans-fatty acids can reduce the risk of the most prevalent chronic diseases. However, understanding in absorption and metabolism of these beneficial components in our daily diet across the life cycle is scarce and limits our ability to provide quantitative dietary recommendations about foods containing these phytochemicals. It is also worth noting that research studies rarely employ older adults despite this group being a critical target group for health promotion. Therefore, definitive studies characterizing absorption, metabolism, and distribution across different ages, and especially in older people, are warranted and will contribute to better substantiated nutrient allowances and dietary guidelines.

Technical Abstract: The risk of chronic disease associated with aging is largely the result of a progressive loss of physiological and physical functions and reserves and impaired adaptive mechanisms to environmental and endogenous stresses. It is also evident that environmental factors, including diets characterized by generous intakes of flavonoid-rich plant foods and low in saturated and trans-fatty acids, can reduce the risk of the most prevalent chronic diseases. However, the knowledge base of the bioavailability and metabolism of flavonoids and related polyphenols across the life cycle is scarce and limits our ability to provide quantitative dietary recommendations about foods containing these phytochemicals. Little data are available to inform the rational design of a clinical trial examining the effect of flavonoids on the risk of chronic disease. It is also worth noting that research studies rarely employ older adults despite this group being a critical target group for health promotion. Therefore, definitive studies characterizing flavonoid bioavailability, metabolism, and distribution across the life cycle, and especially in older people, are warranted and will contribute to better substantiated nutrient allowances and dietary guidelines.