Browsing by Author "Morais, Rui C."
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- Carotenoid-microbiota dynamics: in vitro analysis of gut modulation and associated health benefitsPublication . Rocha, Helena R.; Morais, Rui C.; Pintado, Manuela E.; Gomes, Ana M.; Coelho, Marta C.Introduction: Carotenoids, natural lipid-soluble pigments abundant in various fruits and vegetables, play a significant role in our diet by adding vibrant colours to our meals (1). Humans and animals cannot synthesize these compounds, emphasizing the importance of dietary intake for reaping their benefits (2,3). Besides enhancing the visual appeal of food, carotenoids are renowned for their health advantages, serving as potent antioxidants and supporting eye health and immune function (3). However, realizing the full potential of carotenoids for human health faces challenges, primarily centered around their bioaccessibility (4,5). The journey of carotenoids from ingestion to beneficial impact is filled with obstacles, with digestion presenting a significant challenge. The chemical composition of carotenoids encounters resistance and degradation within protein complexes and the intricate structures of plant cell walls during digestion. Various factors such as dietary sources, food composition, matrix structure, lipid presence, and interactions with other compounds further complicate the bioaccessibility of carotenoids (6). Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), responsible for 41 million deaths each year, are often associated with unhealthy dietary habits. To combat this, nutrition and health organizations recommend a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (5). These foods are abundant in carotenoids, lipid-soluble phytochemicals known for their health-enhancing properties, including antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-mutagenic effects (3,7). The intestinal microbiota (IM) significantly influences the efficiency of carotenoids (8). The IM plays a vital role in the absorption and metabolism of carotenoids, as a balanced diet can modulate the composition of the IM, promoting the growth of beneficial microbes and inhibiting harmful ones. Additionally, the IM synthesizes and releases various metabolites, which can be absorbed into the circulatory system, influencing the host’s health (9). These interactions are crucial for understanding carotenoids' preventive and therapeutic potential. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the interaction between carotenoids and the intestinal microbiota during simulated gastrointestinal digestion and absorption. It examined three specific carotenoids - beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene - alongside a pigment mixture (MIX) and the alga Osmundea pinnatifida. The research focused on how these carotenoids influence bioaccessibility, absorption, microbial dynamics, and organic acid production. The study evaluated carotenoids' antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimutagenic properties, offering insights into their potential health benefits. Conclusions: Through the in vitro digestion simulation, it was observed distinct transformations in carotenoids, indicating intricate changes during digestion; Recovery indexes underscored the difficulty in retrieving carotenoids during digestion, highlighting the complexity of their fate in the digestive process. Carotenoid’s tested groups stimulated the production of organic acids, notably succinic (~6.4 g/L), acetic (~2.75 g/L), butyric (~0.47 g/L), and propionic (~2.78 g/L) acids; The analysis of the IM revealed Bacteroidota, Bacillota, Pseudomonadota, and Actinomycetota as the main phyla present. Carotenoids significantly increased the relative abundance (RA) of the Lachnospiraceae family by 77.8% while decreasing the RA of several bacteria, including Lactobacillus by 1.27%, Enterococcus by 16.3%, Streptococcus by 8.80%, and Bifidobacterium by 18.3%, which is consistent with previous studies. The Mix group demonstrated higher antioxidant activity, particularly when located outside the membrane, compared to other carotenoid groups; Lutein and the Mix groups showed effectiveness in anti-diabetic activity, especially when present within the membrane. Carotenoid-digested samples exhibited antimutagenic effects, suggesting their potential to support cell development and act as a shield against mutations.
- Exploring carotenoid-intestinal microbiota interplay: in vitro insights into gastrointestinal interactions and health-enriching effectsPublication . Rocha, Helena R.; Morais, Rui C.; Pintado, Manuela E.; Gomes, Ana M.; Coelho, Marta C.Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), responsible for 41 million deaths each year, are often associated with unhealthy dietary habits. To combat this, nutrition and health organizations recommend a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (1). These foods are abundant in carotenoids, lipid-soluble phytochemicals (2) known for their health-enhancing properties, including antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-mutagenic effects (3). However, the intestinal microbiota (IM) significantly influences the efficiency of carotenoids (4). The IM plays a vital role in the absorption and metabolism of carotenoids (4). A balanced diet can modulate the composition of the IM, promoting the growth of beneficial microbes and inhibiting harmful ones (5). The IM also synthesizes and releases various metabolites, which can be absorbed into the circulatory system, influencing the host’s health (6). These interactions are crucial for understanding carotenoids' preventive and therapeutic potential. Objective: This study aimed to explore the interaction between carotenoids and the IM during simulated gastrointestinal digestion and absorption. Three carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene), a pigment mixture (MIX), and the alga Osmundea pinnatifida were analyzed. The focus was on understanding how carotenoids affect bioaccessibility, absorption, microbial dynamics, and organic acid production. Additionally, the study assessed the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimutagenic properties of carotenoids, providing insights into their potential health benefits.
- Exploring carotenoid-intestinal microbiota interplay: in vitro insights into gastrointestinal interactions and health-enriching effectsPublication . Rocha, Helena R.; Morais, Rui C.; Pintado, Manuela E.; Gomes, Ana M.; Coelho, Marta C.Objective: This study aimed to explore the interactions between carotenoids and the intestinal microbiota (IM) during simulated gastrointestinal digestion and absorption. The focus was on understanding carotenoids' impact on bioavailability, absorption, microbial dynamics, and organic acid (OA) production. Additionally, the study assessed the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimutagenic properties of carotenoid solutions. Methods: An in vitro simulation of gastrointestinal digestion (INFOGEST) and absorption was performed to explore carotenoid interactions. Three carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene), a pigment mixture, and the alga Osmundea pinnatifida were analysed. Human faecal samples were subjected to fermentation to assess the effects on IM dynamics and OA production. Results: During simulated digestion, carotenoids (e.g., lutein, beta-carotene, lycopene, beta- cryptoxanthin) were identified, with compromised bioaccessibility as none were absorbed. The IM analysis revealed Bacteroidota, Bacillota, Pseudomonadota, and Actinomycetota as the main phyla present. Also, carotenoids increased the relative abundance (RA) of the Lachnospiraceae family (+ 77.8%) and decreased the RA of bacteria such as Lactobacillus (-1.27%), Enterococcus (-16.3%), Streptococcus (-8.80%), and Bifidobacterium (-18.3%), which was consistent with prior studies. Carotenoids stimulated OA production, in particular, succinic (~6.4 g/L), acetic (~2.75 g/L), butyric (~0.47 g/L) and propionic (~2.78 g/L) acids, reinforcing their positive role in intestinal health. Conclusions: Despite compromised bioaccessibility, carotenoids exhibited positive interactions with IM. The results of microbial dynamics, OA production, and functional properties support carotenoids' potential to promote intestinal health and mitigate oxidative and diabetic risks. The observed antimutagenic effects further underscore the potential health benefits of carotenoids.