Abstract P609: Polyphenol Metabolite Production Displays Individual Variability and Associations With Usual Diet: A Dietary Challenge Study

Background: Fruits and vegetables, rich in polyphenolic compounds, contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. Polyphenolic metabolism is complex and relies on the gut microbiota, which in turn is shaped by usual diet. Individual variability in metabolite production has implications for precision nutrition approaches to CVD prevention. Methods: Forty healthy adults were recruited from the Kannapolis, NC, area for a 3-day dietary challenge study [2019; ages: mean (SD)=39.1 (12.3); sex (n=23 female, 17 male); race/ethnicity (n=28 non-Hispanic White, 1 Hispanic White, 5 Black, 4 Asian, 2 mixed race); BMI: mean (SD)=25.4 (3.1)]. On Day 1, participants were provided 2 days of meals, designed to be low in precursors of target metabolites and prepared in a metabolic kitchen; completed the Diet History Questionnaire II (DHQ-II); and had clinical measures taken by trained clinic staff. On Day 2, participants received a combination dietary challenge, including cocoa capsules (750 mg cocoa flavanols) and pomegranate juice (500 mL). Participants collected their urine (not pooled) for 24 hours, from challenge to the morning of Day 3. Targeted LC-MS analysis was conducted on samples within the collection period. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression was used to test associations between urine metabolite concentration and past-year consumption of foods, with multiple comparisons adjusted by the false discovery rate. Results (Table): Valerolactones displayed large variability in post-challenge production. Metabolite production was significantly associated with usual intake of several food groups. Conclusion: Our findings document appreciable variability in the production of valerolactones, after ingesting constant amounts of precursor-containing products, potentially contributing to differential dietary effects on CVD. Metabolite production was significantly associated with usual intake of several major food groups.