Polyphenols and the Microbiome: 

A Necessary “Non-Nutrient”

 Jeannie Gorman, MS, CCN | July 30, 2024

Polyphenols, naturally occurring plant compounds, have been linked to the prevention of chronic diseases, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and free-radical scavenging properties. Interactions amongst the gut microbiome and polyphenols serve to increase bioavailability. The exact mechanisms of action have yet to be fully elucidated, the conveyance of polyphenol intake and beneficial health outcomes may be influenced via the gut microbiome.

Plant polyphenols, bestowing dark or bright colors and astringent flavors, are compounds produced as a defense expression against stressors: sunlight damage/ultraviolet radiation, herbivores, and microbial infections. In vivo research demonstrates therapeutic significance of polyphenol intake at 500mg-1000mg QD (approximately 5-9 fruit and vegetable servings). Over 8,000 phenolic compounds, divided into classes and sub-classes, have been identified and studied with variable clinical application: anthocyanins from deep colored blue and red berries, cranberries, pomegranate, red cabbage, red wine for cardiovascular health; epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) in green and white herbal tea for inflammation, combating oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunction; and genistein in beans, soy, lentils and peas as a natural phytoestrogen to inhibit breast cancer cells are just a few of these classes of “functional foods.” The high polyphenol content emphasized in several recognized therapeutic diets (i.e., Mediterranean Diet, Paleo Diet, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), Wahls Protocol®) remain a foundational pillar in preventive medicine.

A 2020 systematic review, demonstrated that polyphenols act as a pre-biotic, increasing the abundance of key microbiome species including Akkermansia mucinifila spp. (A. muciniphila spp.) and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii spp. (F. prausnitzii spp.). A. muciniphila spp., is known as the “sentinel of the gut,” and is a gut bio-health marker in healthy individuals. Using mucin to support gut barrier integrity, it alters the gut immunological response, reduces gut inflammation and enriches production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Research findings implicate low A. muciniphila spp. with glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, high total cholesterol, liver dysfunction, and low-grade inflammation. Recent research also shows a bacterial protein produced by A. muciniphila spp. influences induction of glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP-1) secretion through intercellular adhesion marker-2 (ICAM-2) and acts on GLP-1, and influences endocannabinoid receptors in the gut. Another polyphenol benefactor, F. prausnitzii spp., is a primary producer of butyrate and was shown to be significantly decreased in Lupus patients resulting in considerably lower levels of pentanoate, a short chain fatty acid (SCFA) with the ability to suppress autoimmunity. A decline in the microbial composition of F. prausnitzii spp. correlates to increased mortality in a number of inflammatory and immune modulated diseases. 

As today’s patient embraces a proactive natural approach to prevent illness later in life, they recognize maintaining a perfect diet may not always be convenient or achievable. They look to supplements and innovative functional food ingredients (i.e. polyphenol enriched yogurt) to fill the gap. While there's more to learn about the delivery systems and metabolism of these ingredients, the connection between a healthy microbiome and a whole food-based diet rich in polyphenol-rich plants is undeniably integral to optimal health.

 

References

Corrêa Telma Angelina Faraldo , Rogero Marcelo Macedo , Hassimotto Neuza Mariko Aymoto , Lajolo Franco Maria, The Two-Way Polyphenols-Microbiota Interactions and Their Effects on Obesity and Related Metabolic Diseases, Frontiers in Nutrition, Vol. 6, Dec. 2019; doi:3389/fnut.2019.00188; https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2019.00188/full

Koch W., Dietary Polyphenols—Important Non-Nutrients in the Prevention of Chronic Non-communicable Diseases. A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2019 May 9;11(5):1039, doi: 10.3390/nu11051039. PMID: 31075905; PMCID: PMC6566812. 

Panche AN, Diwan AD, Chandra SR. Flavonoids: an overview. J Nutr Sci. 2016 Dec 29;5:e47. doi: 10.1017/jns.2016.41. PMID: 28620474; PMCID: PMC5465813.

Del Bo' C, Bernardi S, Marino M, Porrini M, Tucci M, Guglielmetti S, Cherubini A, Carrieri B, Kirkup B, Kroon P, Zamora-Ros R, Liberona NH, Andres-Lacueva C, Riso P. Systematic Review on Polyphenol Intake and Health Outcomes: Is there Sufficient Evidence to Define a Health-Promoting Polyphenol-Rich Dietary Pattern? Nutrients. 2019 Jun 16;11(6):1355. doi: 10.3390/nu11061355. PMID: 31208133; PMCID: PMC6627994.

Lila MA. Anthocyanins and Human Health: An In Vitro Investigative Approach. J Biomed Biotechnol. 2004;2004(5):306-313. doi: 10.1155/S111072430440401X. PMID: 15577194; PMCID: PMC1082894.

Effendi, R.M.R.A.; Anshory, M.; Kalim, H.; Dwiyana, R.F.; Suwarsa, O.; Pardo, L.M.; Nijsten, T.E.C.; Thio, H.B. Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in Immune-Related Diseases. Microorganisms 2022, 10, 2382. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10122382

Merra G, Noce A, Marrone G, Cintoni M, Tarsitano MG, Capacci A, De Lorenzo A. Influence of Mediterranean Diet on Human Gut Microbiota. Nutrients. 2020 Dec 22;13(1):7. doi: 10.3390/nu13010007. PMID: 33375042; PMCID: PMC7822000.

Estimated phytochemical content of the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet is higher than in the Control Study Diet. J Am Diet Assoc. 2004 Nov;104(11):1725-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jada.2004.08.001. PMID: 15499362.

https://terrywahls.com

Varnaitė L, Keršienė M, Šipailienė A, Kazernavičiūtė R, Venskutonis PR, Leskauskaitė D. Fiber-Rich Cranberry Pomace as Food Ingredient with Functional Activity for Yogurt Production. Foods. 2022 Mar 6;11(5):758. doi: 10.3390/foods11050758. PMID: 35267391; PMCID: PMC8909558.

 

How to Interpret the GI360™

Presented by Jeannie Gorman, MS, CCN

August 7, 2024 at 9:30 AM and 12 PM Pacific

Each session is approximately 60 minutes with Q&A


If your patients suffer from gastrointestinal issues like IBS or IBD, systemic conditions such as celiac disease, cardiovascular or neurological disorders, and even skin or autoimmune diseases, the GI360™ from Doctor's Data could be a game-changer.

This webinar will provide an overview of the industry-leading GI360™ stool test. A primary focus will be the rationale for the essential incorporation of complementary methodologies to evaluate gastrointestinal microbes. Other components covered will be the advantages and limitations of PCR-based testing, culture-based/proteomic testing, and susceptibility testing. Additionally, the highly focused microbiome and dysbiosis evaluation will be highlighted regarding published validation and clinical application. Furthermore, the comprehensive array of stool chemistries will be featured in context with the overall evaluation. Case studies will also be presented to illustrate the clinical value of the GI360™.

Learning Objectives:

  • Jeannie Gorman, MS, CCN, will explain the test's utilization of advanced technologies like multiplex PCR, MALDI-TOF, and microscopy.
  • You will learn how the GI360™ informs the Dysbiosis Index (DI) and Diversity Score (DS) and what these scores mean for your patients.
  • You will get practical advice on the stool sample collection process and learn why PCR testing's sensitivity is crucial for accurate results.)
  • Plus, tips on follow up testing!
 
 

How Methylation Impacts Estrogen Metabolism

Presented by Dan Kalish, DC, IFMCP

August 14, 2024 at 12 PM Pacific

Join Dr. Dan Kalish for this practical application webinar on methylation and estrogen metabolism. We will present easy to implement treatments for problems with methylation that lead to estrogen related issues. You'll learn lab interpretation skills that you can apply to any patients experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, PMS, PCOS, cyclical migraines and many other common female hormone complaints.

 

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Targeting Estrogen Metabolism and the Gut Microbiome to Support Endometriosis | 03/26/2024

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The Microbial World of the Breast: Exploring Its Distinctive Terrain in Wellness and Illness | 01/30/2024

Serum Steroid Hormone Testing Enough Evidence to Challenge the Status Quo? | 01/04/2024

Feeding the Microbiome for Optimal Health - Got Beans? | 11/28/2023

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Strategies to Modulate the Aromatase Enzyme | 9/26/2023

Disclaimer: All information given about health conditions, treatment, products, and dosages are for educational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice.

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