Summary
This narrative review examines the bioavailability challenges of botanical flavonoids—a class of plant secondary metabolites with demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antimicrobial properties. The authors synthesise evidence on how gut microbiome-mediated modifications (methylation, acetylation, dehydroxylation) affect flavonoid absorption and metabolism, and critically discuss two practical approaches to enhance bioavailability: dosage form modification and chemical modification of the parent compound structure. The review aims to provide practitioners and researchers with actionable strategies for optimising flavonoid delivery and therapeutic application.
Regional applicability
The findings are globally applicable to dietary supplement formulation and functional food development, including within United Kingdom markets. However, the review is primarily a laboratory and in vitro synthesis; clinical validation in UK populations and integration with UK dietary recommendations would require additional translational research.
Key measures
Flavonoid bioavailability, absorption efficiency, metabolic modifications by gut microbiota, structural characteristics affecting bioavailability
Outcomes reported
The review synthesised evidence on flavonoid bioavailability, gut microbiome-mediated metabolism (methylation, acetylation, dehydroxylation), and strategies to enhance absorption through dosage form and chemical modification.
Topic tags
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