Berry Anthocyanins and Gut Health

Aug 13, 2019

 

Latest evidence shows that anthocyanins (plant-pigments that give fruits such as berries their distinct blue/red colouration) are metabolised in the gut.  This, in turn, is thought to cause a shift in the type and amount of bacteria that are housed in the gut as well as having other potentially beneficial biological effects.

The latest review pooled evidence from six trials assessing links between anthocyanin intakes and gut microbiota populations. These were a combination of human, in vitro(test tube studies) and animal trials. 

It was found that the consumption of anthocyanins helped Bifidobacterium spp.populations (the type that tends to be used in probiotics and for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome) to flourish.  In contrast, populations of less favourableClostridium histolyticum, which has been found to be pathogenic in humans, were found to be inhibited.

Dr Emma Derbyshire, Public Health Nutritionist and adviser to British Berry Growers commented: “These are very interesting and promising findings indicating that anthocyanins which are typically found in the skin of dark fruits such as berries have potential to give gut health a boost.  These appear to give favourable gut bacteria a boost whilst offsetting unsavory gut bugs.  This is exciting research though further clinical trials are now needed to see if similar effects can be replicated”

– ENDS –

 

For editors:

  • The anthocyanin content of berries is:

Berry

Serving Size

mg/serving

Blackberries

½ cup

70.4

Blueberries

½ cup

120.8

Raspberries

½ cup

30.2

Strawberries

½ cup

20.5

USDA Database for the Flavonoid Content of Selected Foods.

  • The colour/pigmentation of the fruit and vegetables that we eat could well be as important as the amount that we eat.

[1]http://www.mintel.com/press-centre/beauty-and-personal-care/86-of-brits-have-suffered-from-a-gastrointestinal-problem-in-the-past-year

[2]Igwe EOet al. (2018) A systematic literature review of the effect of anthocyanins on gut microbiota populations.  J Hum Nutr Diet.[Epub ahead of print].