THE IMPACT OF RAISIN CONSUMPTION ON QUERCETIN BIOAVAILABILITY: AN IN VIVO APPROACH IN VIVO

Abstract

Raisins are a nutrient-dense food known for their high content of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds, including quercetin, which exists predominantly in the form of quercetin glycosides, enhancing their potential health benefits. This study investigates the impact of dietary matrix on quercetin bioavailability by analyzing urinary excretion following consumption of raisins. Employing advanced LC/MS techniques, the study quantified quercetin and its metabolites to evaluate how whole foods influence the absorption and metabolic processing of dietary polyphenols. Initial results indicated a significant increase in urinary quercetin excretion, with concentrations ranging from 21.8 µg/ml to 238.8 µg/ml among participants after consuming raisins. The study showed the role of the food matrix in enhancing quercetin bioavailability, suggesting that the complex interactions within whole foods like raisins could significantly influence the solubility, stability, and absorption of quercetin.