Background: Blueberry (BB) native polyphenols undergo extensive conversion through phase II and microbial biotransformation. There is scarcity of data regarding the metabolite profile in biological samples of children after BB consumption. Here, we present preliminary results of BB-derived metabolites measured in urine and plasma of children (n=6) ages 11 to 12 years participating in a randomized controlled trial at the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center. Method: Assessors of metabolites were blinded to the intervention assignment. Fasting urine and blood were collected before randomization, and on day 6 of the intervention [BB (15 g bid ) vs. placebo]. On day 6, post-prandial blood and urine were collected hourly after the consumption of the study product. Native and conjugated phenolic acid derivatives (n=35) were measured using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry multiple reaction monitoring (UPLC-MS/MS MRM). Results: A preliminary principal component analysis allowed discrimination between the post-prandial samples from 3 subjects (group A) and the post-prandial samples from the other 3 subjects plus all fasting samples (group B). The most abundant compound was hippuric acid, with an amount up to 10 (urine) and 19 times higher (plasma) in group A compared to group B. In addition, post-prandial plasma and urine concentrations of phloroglucinaldehyde, ferulic, gentisic, sinapic, m-hydroxyhippuric, chlorogenic and 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid were higher in children from group A compared to children from group B. Conclusions: Distinct plasma and urine metabolite profiles can be identified in children participating in the ongoing Blueberry Study. Further analyses will be done upon completion of the study to elucidate the changes in metabolite profiles in children following blueberry consumption.

Phenolic metabolites in plasma and urine of children after blueberry consumption

ACS Spring 2022

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