Uncovering the promising role of grape pomace as a modulator of the gut microbiome: An in-depth review

Gut Microbiota Modulators Based on Polyphenols Extracted from Winery By-Products and Their Applications in the Nutraceutical Industry

“…It is essential to mention that, during their gastrointestinal transit, polyphenols from food or dietary supplements are transformed into structurally different phenolic forms compared with intake compounds [ 8 ]. Many studies indicate that unabsorbed polyphenols (90–95% of polyphenol intake) reach the large intestine and interfere with the GM, which modifies the microflora community’s composition and functioning, generates various microbial metabolites, and influences intestinal homeostasis [ 3 , 4 , 7 , 11 ]. In the colon, polyphenolic compounds enhance the abundance of specific bacterial groups acting as prebiotics while inhibiting others based on their antimicrobial potential.…”

“…For human health, phenolics are the most valuable bioactive molecules from GP, which are in higher amounts in red pomace than white ones, followed by dietary fibers. At the same time, both can serve as prebiotics [ 2 , 3 , 20 ].…”

“…Their main advantages are their low cost, reproducibility, and efficiency. Small animal studies that use rodents that have ingested different quantities of GP supplemented in their diets are important precursors, providing information for human trials [ 3 ]. To prove that GP is a valuable feed additive, studies have studied its effect on animal welfare.…”

“…Also, consumers’ growing awareness regarding healthy lifestyles and their concerns about the protection of the environment have helped expand the research about transforming agro-waste into healthy products. At the same time, the rising popularity of grape pomace (GP) among manufacturers as a cheap and healthy ingredient has expanded the market for grape pomace and seeds, and new GP-fortified foods and dietary supplements have been released [ 3 ].…”

“…However, only a few works have focused on the effect of grapevine residues on GM composition and the microbial metabolic profile, and even fewer show the correlation between GM changes and the health effects reported. Recently, works uncovered the modulator effects of grape pomace, considered the main agro-waste used in the formulation of functional additives in feedingstuffs, dietary supplements, and fortified foods [ 3 , 10 , 11 ]. Therefore, this study aimed to review and update the research on microbiota modulation using polyphenol-rich extracts and diets supplemented with winery by-products (grape pomace and seeds).…”