Cited by 1,297Phytochemicals and Antioxidant ActivitiesNutritional Studies and DietPomegranate: compositions and health benefits

The Role of Polyphenols in Human Health and Food Systems: A Mini-Review

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Cory, Hannah, Passarelli, Simone, Szeto, John, Tamez, Martha, Mattei, Josiemer·2018·Frontiers in Nutrition

Abstract

This narrative mini- review summarizes current knowledge of the role of polyphenols in health outcomes-and non-communicable diseases specifically-and discusses the implications of this evidence for public health, and for future directions for public health practice, policy, and research. The publications cited originate mainly from animal models and feeding experiments, as well as human cohort and case-control studies. Hypothesized protective effects of polyphenols in acute and chronic diseases, including obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, are evaluated. Potential harmful effects of some polyphenols are also considered, counterbalanced with the limited evidence of harm in the research literature. Recent international governmental regulations are discussed, as the safety and health claims of only a few specific polyphenolic compounds have been officially sanctioned. The implications of food processing on the bioavailability of polyphenols are also assessed, in addition to the health claims and marketing of polyphenols as a functional food. Finally, this mini-review asserts the need for increased regulation and guidelines for polyphenol consumption and supplementation in order to ensure consumers remain safe and informed about polyphenols.

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Crossref · 10.3389/fnut.2018.00087

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  • Some studies highlight that high doses of pure compounds increase the risk of stroke and premature death.

    “and others highlighting the increased risk of stroke and premature death [235]”
  • The in vivo safety of high doses of pure compounds (over 100 times higher than the natural occurrence in some cases) is unlikely to be feasibly extrapolated from in vitro mechanistic research.

    “Furthermore, the in vivo safety of high doses of pure compounds (over 100 times higher than the natural occurrence in some cases) is unlikely to be feasibly extrapolated from in vitro mechanistic research, with several studies reporting the increased risk of hepatotoxicity [234], and others highlighting the increased risk of stroke and premature death [235], and even carcinogenesis [236].”

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Authors
Cory, H., Passarelli, S., Szeto, J., Tamez, M., & Mattei, J.
Affiliations
  • Harvard University (US)
  • Massachusetts General Hospital (US)
Corresponding author
Mattei, Josiemer
Venue
Frontiers in Nutrition
Published
2018-09-21
Volume
5
Pages
87-87
ISSN
2296-861X (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2890239906
Cited by
1,297
References
115
Citations by year
2026: 122 · 2025: 118 · 2024: 164 · 2023: 215 · 2022: 240 · 2021: 230 · 2020: 162 · 2019: 43 · 2018: 2
FWCI
11.39
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Frontiers in Nutrition (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
  • Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
  • Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología
  • National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (HL120951)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Biochemistry › Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activities
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Nutritional Studies and Diet
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Pomegranate: compositions and health benefits
Keywords
polyphenols, non-communicable diseases, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, health claims regulation, functional foods, food processing, bioavailability, dietary supplementation, public health policy

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