phenolics in human health: structures, bioavailability, and evidence of protective effects against chronic diseases

Summary

This comprehensive narrative review by Del Rio et al. (2013), published in Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, surveys the structural diversity, absorption, and biotransformation of dietary (poly)phenolics and evaluates the strength of evidence linking their consumption to reduced risk of chronic disease. The paper draws on epidemiological cohort studies, intervention trials, and in vitro and in vivo mechanistic research to assess how different phenolic classes — including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and stilbenes — exert antioxidant and redox-modulating effects. It is a widely cited reference work providing a consolidated evidence base for the role of plant-derived phenolics in human health.

UK applicability

The review is international in scope but directly applicable to UK nutrition research, dietary guidelines, and food policy contexts, particularly given UK interest in plant-rich diets and the health implications of fruit, vegetable, and whole-grain consumption. Findings are relevant to Public Health England dietary recommendations and ongoing UK biobank research into diet–disease relationships.

Key measures

Bioavailability estimates for phenolic subclasses; epidemiological and clinical evidence of disease risk reduction; metabolic and mechanistic data; antioxidant and redox signalling activity

Outcomes reported

The review examines the chemical structures and bioavailability of dietary (poly)phenolics and synthesises evidence for their protective effects against chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative conditions. It reports on absorption, metabolism, and putative mechanisms of action across major phenolic subclasses.

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