2026 Volume 26 Issue 5 Pages 203-208
This review summarizes the regulatory mechanisms of lipid metabolism by dietary polyphenols, focusing on their interactions with the gut microbiota and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), with evidence from both long-term animal studies and human intervention trials. Metabolic disorders such as obesity, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes are increasingly recognized as complex systemic conditions involving chronic inflammation, impaired gut barrier function, and gut microbial dysbiosis. Although polyphenols have traditionally been considered to exert direct effects after absorption, their low bioavailability–particularly for high-molecular-weight compounds such as procyanidins–suggests the importance of indirect mechanisms. Recent findings indicate that polyphenols modulate gut microbial composition and function, leading to increased abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria and enhanced SCFA production. These microbial metabolites contribute to improved lipid metabolism through activation of host receptors, reinforcement of intestinal barrier integrity, and suppression of endotoxin-induced inflammation. Importantly, human intervention studies demonstrate that these effects are highly dependent on individual gut microbiota profiles, particularly enterotypes, highlighting inter-individual variability in metabolic responses. Collectively, these findings underscore the significance of microbiota-mediated pathways in polyphenol function and support the development of personalized nutrition strategies targeting lipid metabolic disorders.
