Metabolic changes of the blood metabolome after a date fruit challenge

Abstract

Date fruits are rich in phytochemicals that have anti-oxidative properties and are therefore considered as functional foods. However, it is unclear which part of the date metabolites actually enter the blood stream and remain bioavailable to exert any beneficial action. To answer this question, we conducted a nutritional challenge study in which we monitored plasma metabolome of 21 healthy volunteers after intake of Khlas, Deglet Nour, and glucose at five time points. Among the 1089 identified blood circulating metabolites, we found molecules that were specific to date consumption, including metabolites of the polyphenols ferulic-, caffeic-, and vanillic acid. Consumption of the sucrose-rich Deglet Nour led to a substantial increase in blood sucrose levels. Interestingly, consumption of serotonin-rich dates did not alter serotonin blood levels, but resulted in a sharp increase in its breakdown product 5-hydroxyindolacetate. We elucidated metabolites present in the blood after date consumption with potential health beneficial effect.

Keywords

• Functional food
• Date fruit
• Nutrient challenges
• Metabolomics
• Bioavailability
• Phytochemicals