Nutridynamics: mechanism(s) of action of bioactive compounds and their effects

Abstract

Mechanism of action of bioactive compounds may be multiple, especially in the food matrix. Therefore, the interplay between these compounds and hosts' physiology, and the consequences of its continuous intake should be considered. In analogy with pharmacodynamics, the bioactive compounds should have both defined targets and mechanisms of action. However, several essential differences arise when considering the heterogeneous nature of the food matrix, the multiplicity of mechanisms and the variety of responses. In order to ascertain a potential mechanism of activity, one should consider both the intended use of the food, the biomarker that will support this claim and previous evidences, examined from current information sources. Once these have been examined, several experimental strategies should be considered, ranging from the choice of preclinical or experimental model, the use of samples from pilot interventional studies and the application of system's biology derived techniques, such as transcriptomics or metabolomics.

• Lipidomics
• mechanism of action
• metabolomics
• mitochondria
• soy

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge Dr. Ana Romo Hualde (Centre for Nutrition Research) for her great support and help all along the development of the project INCOMES (Guide for the Support of Health Claims in foods: Immune and Cognitive functions and Metabolic Syndrome).

Declaration of interest

All authors declare no conflict of interest concerning this supplement.

This work has been supported by the Project INCOMES (Barry Callebaut-La Morella Nuts SA, Biosearch, Biotecnologías Aplicadas SA, Bodega Matarromera SL, Miguel Torres SA, Galletas Gullón SA, Iberfruta SA, Laboratorios Ordesa SL, Newbiotechnic SA and Soria Natural), co-funded by the Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico Industrial) and FEDER. Also CIBERobn and SEÑ (Spanish Society of Nutrition) are gratefully acknowledged for global support concerning the presentations of this guide.