Impact of polyphenols on human gut microbiome and associated biomarkers

Phenolic compounds have long been recognized for their potential health modulatory effects. From a straightforward antioxidant capacity to metabolic modulation, the literature on their health-related effects evidence their potential. A similar affirmation may be made for the gut microbiome, where positive modulation has been associated with the reduction of risk/amelioration of some pathologies. Most of the ingested phenolic compounds reach the colon; therefore it stands to reason that they may have a modulatory impact upon the gut microbiome. In fact, they have been reported as being capable of stimulating the growth of potentially beneficial species and inhibiting potentially harmful ones, thus exerting a dual effect upon the gut microbiome. Moreover, the microbiota also influences the phenolic composition by mediating reactions that result in new compounds (with different biological activities).