Effect of Dietary Polyphenols on the Gut Microbiota

Abstract

The gut microbiota has an important role for human health and metabolism. Microbiota composition and diversity is considered in maintaining host health or improving existing health problems. Pre- and probiotics are effective in ensuring gut microbiota homeostasis. In addition to being known as secondary metabolites of plants, polyphenols have prebiotic properties in the gut microbiota. Foods such as vegetables, fruits, tea, cocoa, wine are known for their rich polyphenol content. Polyphenols reach the colon directly due to their low bioavailability. It undergoes fermentation by gut bacteria and becomes usable in the gut microbiota. Owing to this mutual interaction between polyphenols and gut bacteria, host health is maintained, the occurrence of chronic diseases and the progression of existing health problems are prevented. In this review, the effect of polyphenols on the intestinal microbiota, which has gained importance in recent years, is discussed.