Inter-individual Variability in Plant (Poly)phenol Metabolism: Implications for Personalized Nutrition and Disease Prevention

In the field of nutritional epidemiology, understanding how plant-based polyphenols are metabolized within the body is crucial for advancing personalized nutrition and exploring disease prevention strategies. Plant polyphenols, found in various fruits, vegetables, teas, and wines, are known for their health-promoting properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic effects. Despite their potential, there is significant inter-individual variability in how these compounds are absorbed, metabolized, and utilized, influenced by factors such as genetics, gut microbiota composition, ethnicity, ageing, dietary habits, and environmental variables. While studies have identified associations between polyphenol-rich diets and reduced risk of chronic diseases, there remains a need to elucidate the biological mechanisms and inter-variances that underpin these benefits.

This Research Topic aims to investigate the diverse metabolic pathways of plant polyphenols across different individuals, including various ethnic groups and how these pathways influence health outcomes. By examining genetic factors like single nucleotide polymorphisms and exploring the role of the gut microbiome, the research aims to unravel the complexity of polyphenol metabolism. Additionally, the focus will be on developing robust biomarkers for polyphenol exposure and effect, alongside understanding the health implications of these metabolic differences, such as their impact on the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, metabolic syndrome, and neurodegenerative disorders.

To gather further insights into this nuanced field, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o The role of genetic variability and sex differences in polyphenol metabolism across different ethnic groups

o The impact of cultural dietary habits on polyphenol metabolism in various ethnic groups

o The influence of ageing on polyphenol metabolism and its implications for health outcomes.

o The impact of different diseases on polyphenol metabolism and absorption, and how these changes can affect the therapeutic benefits of polyphenols.

o Gut microbiota's influence on polyphenol biotransformation

o Development of precision nutrition strategies based on polyphenol metabolic profiles

o Integration of multi-omics in understanding polyphenol metabolism

o Personalized dietary recommendations for chronic disease risk reduction

We welcome contributions in the form of original research, reviews, and case studies to build a comprehensive understanding of these themes.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Polyphenols, Nutritional Epidemiology, Metabolism, Microbiome, Genomics, Biomarkers, Nutrigenomics, Biotransformation, Precision-nutrition

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.