This study explored the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of several phloretin derivatives using an in vitro dynamic digestion model that simulates human gastrointestinal conditions. Four compounds were evaluated: phloretin aglycone, α-glucoside, α-diglucoside, and lauroyl α-glucoside.
Results showed that glucosylation improves the bioaccessibility of phloretin. Most of the α-glucoside reached the intestinal phase as the aglycone due to intestinal glycosidase activity, while phloretin and lauroyl α-glucoside tended to precipitate in the stomach, reducing their availability. In Caco-2 cell assays, phloretin α-glucoside displayed the highest bioavailability (26.8%), likely due to active transport, compared with the aglycone (2.7%). The α-diglucoside showed lower bioavailability (4.4%), and lauroyl α-glucoside was not absorbed.
Additionally, phloretin and its derivatives inhibited intestinal glucose absorption in Caco-2 cells. Lauroyl α-glucoside also showed selective antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria without affecting probiotics, along with anti-inflammatory properties, highlighting the potential of these derivatives for functional food and health applications.
Ref: “Bioaccessibility of phloretin and its derivatives using a dynamic in vitro digester. Effects on glucose uptake, prebiotic potential and anti-inflammatory activity”. J.L. Gonzalez-Alfonso, L. Barahona, S. Garcia-Benlloch, M. Martinez-Ranz, B. Gracia-Gomez, M.A. Iñiguez, B. Viadel, M. Fernandez-Lobato, and F.J. Plou*. Food Res Int. 226, 118238 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2025.118238
