Exploring the bioavailability of phenolic compounds through in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion: INFOGEST

Conclusions: Studied phenolic compounds did not undergo enzymatic digestion after INFOGEST, as we did not detect any resultant metabolites. Bioaccessibility percentages determined after the intestinal digestion phase showed that most of the studied phenolic compounds were about 50% bioaccessible. Absorption rates of all studied phenolic compounds were high (> 80%), suggesting that they can be absorbed into the systemic circulation or follow to the colon, where gut microbiota may metabolize them. Solubility of phenolic compounds could limit their bioavailability, as QUE and EA, demonstrated lower bioaccessibility along the simulated gastrointestinal tract due to their low solubility in water.