PURPOSE

Current evidence accounts for the role of (poly)phenolic compounds in the prevention of non-communicable diseases. Detailed information on population-level intakes is required to translate these findings into recommendations. This work aimed to estimate (poly)phenol intake in the UK population using data from a nationally representative survey.

METHODS

Data from 9374 participants (4636 children aged 1.5-18 years and 4738 adults aged 19 years and over) from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey Rolling Programme (NDNS RP) 2008-2014 was used. (Poly)phenol content of foods consumed in the NDNS RP was identified using Phenol-Explorer and through literature searches. Data on flavonoids, phenolic acids, and stilbenes were collected. Total (poly)phenol content was also assessed.

RESULTS

Mean total (poly)phenol intake ranged from 266.6 ± 166.1 mg/day in children aged 1.5-3 years to 1035.1 ± 544.3 mg/day in adults aged 65 years and over, with flavan-3-ols and hydroxycinnamic acids being the most consumed (poly)phenols across all age groups. (Poly)phenol intake was higher in males in all age groups except for adults aged 19-34 and 50-64 years, where intakes were marginally higher in females. Energy-adjusted intakes accounted for the pattern of increasing (poly)phenol intakes with age and a higher intake was observed in females across all age groups, with the exception of children aged 1.5-3 years. The main food sources were non-alcoholic beverages and fruits, being the main compounds flavan-3-ols and caffeoylquinic acids.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis provides estimates of (poly)phenol intake from a representative sample of the UK general population, which can help inform the health implications of (poly)phenol intake.