Human colonic catabolism of dietary flavan-3-ol bioactives

Understanding the fate of ingested polyphenols is crucial in elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of a fruit and vegetable-based diet. This review focuses on the colon microbiota-mediated transformation of the flavan-3-ols and the structurally related procyanidins found in dietary plant foods and beverages, plus the flavan-3-ol-derived theaflavins of black tea, and the post-absorption phase II metabolism of the gut microbiota catabolites. Despite significant advances in the last decade major analytical challenges remain. Strategies to address them are presented.