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Plant polyphenols: are they the new magic bullet?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 March 2007

Garry G. Duthie ,
Peter T. Gardner  and
Janet A. M. Kyle
Garry G. Duthie*
Affiliation:
Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen, AB21 9SB, UK
Peter T. Gardner
Affiliation:
Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen, AB21 9SB, UK
Janet A. M. Kyle
Affiliation:
Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen, AB21 9SB, UK
*
*Corresponding author: Dr Garry G. Duthie, fax +44 1224 710000, [email protected]
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Abstract

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Epidemiological evidence suggests that diets rich in fruit and vegetables decrease the risk of premature mortality from major clinical conditions, including cancer and heart disease. However, it is not yet clear which components or combination of components in fruit and vegetables are protective and what is their mechanism of action. Such scientific uncertainty does not seem to inhibit the marketing of a huge range of plant-based concoctions, promoted as ‘magic bullets’ for optimum health. For example, the purported health-giving properties of plant polyphenols represent a case in which enthusiastic marketing claims may far exceed the current scientific evidence. Even when good experimental evidence exists, results need to be interpreted with caution in relation to human health benefits, as polyphenols may have limited bioavailability and may also be extensively metabolised. In addition, some polyphenols can be toxic and mutagenic in some cell culture systems. Until more is known about the activity and metabolic fate of polyphenols in the body, it would be better for the consumer to increase fruit and vegetable intake, and also to be wary of claims that these compounds are a panacea for good health.

Keywords

PolyphenolsCancerHeart diseaseBioavailabilityHealth claims
Type
Meeting Report
Information
Proceedings of the Nutrition Society , Volume 62 , Issue 3 , August 2003 , pp. 599 - 603
Copyright
Copyright © The Nutrition Society 2003

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