Impacts of Phenolics and Dietary Fiber on Human Gut Microbiota

Dear Colleagues,

Phenolic compounds and dietary fibers, as two major bioactive components in plant-based foods, have a profound impact on the composition and function of human intestinal flora through their interaction. These two components can exert probiotic effects independently—polyphenols by regulating intestinal microbial composition, promoting the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, and producing bioactive metabolites, and dietary fibers by generating short-chain fatty acids through microbial fermentation to maintain intestinal barrier and immune homeostasis. They can also synergize or be combined to enhance their effects. Intestinal microorganisms metabolize these active substances to produce bioavailable metabolites, which synergistically reduce intestinal inflammation and enhance intestinal barrier function. This Special Issue invites original research and review papers focusing on: (1) microbial transformation and bioactivity of phenolic compounds; (2) the mechanism of microbiota regulation by different types of dietary fibers; (3) the synergistic health effects of phenolic–dietary fiber complexes; (4) the interaction between phenolic/dietary fiber and intestinal bacteria; (5) microbial transformation pathways and bioactive metabolites. Submissions using multi-omics technology and clinical intervention studies are particularly welcome.

Prof. Dr. Baojun Xu
Guest Editor

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