Evaluation of the bioaccessibility of minerals from blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and strawberries

Nutritional and antioxidant profiles of blackberry and raspberry genotypes

BACKGROUND

Blackberries and raspberries are nutritionally rich fruits, yet comprehensive studies assessing both mineral composition and antioxidant activity across diverse genotypes-particularly in Iran-remain limited. This study addresses this gap as the first to systematically evaluate twelve raspberry and blackberry cultivars cultivated in northern Iran, providing novel insights into genotype-specific variations in micronutrients (K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu) and antioxidant profiles (DPPH, FRAP).

RESULTS

Distinct genotypic groupings emerged via cluster analysis, with blackberries (TripleCrown, French, Reuben) and raspberries (e.g., Saanich, KiwiGold) forming separate clusters. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed three components explaining 77% of variance, highlighting strong correlations between genotype, minerals, and antioxidants. Potassium dominated mineral content (0.73-1.21%), with raspberry 'Summit' (1.21%) and 'KiwiGold' (1.08%) as top performers. Remarkably, the raspberry cultivar 'Saanich' demonstrated exceptional levels of iron (159.5 ppm) and manganese (10.5 ppm), surpassing those of other cultivars. Blackberries surpassed raspberries in antioxidant activity: DPPH values ranged from 184.43 µg/ml ('TripleCrown') to 316.02 µg/ml ('Encore'), while FRAP results showed blackberry 'TripleCrown' (17.28 mg Fe²⁺/g DW) outperforming raspberries by 36-57%.

CONCLUSION

This research highlights the potential of selected cultivars to enhance dietary intake of essential minerals, supporting both consumer health and breeding efforts aimed at improving nutritional quality in berry cultivars.

Evaluation of the Bioaccessibility of Essential and Toxic Trace Elements in Basil, Peppermint, and Rosemary Using an In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion Model

Herbs, well-known for their antioxidant properties, are a common component of the human diet. In this work, for the first time, the bioaccessibility of essential (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Co, Cr, and Se) and toxic trace elements (Ni, Cd, As, Pb, and Hg) in spice plants: basil, peppermint, and rosemary was studied using an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion process and artificial dialysis membranes. The different forms of plants, fresh, lyophilized, and dried (as spice and dietary supplements), were analyzed. The results show that the bioaccessibility of elements depends on the type of plants, their form, and origin. Relatively high bioaccessibility of Cu (24-84%), Mn (39-52%), and Zn (8-43%) was observed in fresh and lyophilized herbs. The lowest value was obtained for Fe (<2%) in all herbs. The lyophilization process did not affect the trace elements' bioaccessibility in herbs. The total phenolic content was positively correlated with the total content of elements in all tested spice plants.

Edible Berries- An Update on Nutritional Composition and Health Benefits- Part III

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The diverse polyphenolic components present in these berries are responsible for their functional properties in human health. Hence, there is an increasing demand for research in berry bioactive components to understand the mechanism of action in alleviating and preventing diseases. Therefore, in this last part-III of the review series, mulberry, raspberry, salmonberry, Saskatoonberry, and strawberry are discussed in terms of their bioactive components and corresponding substantial health benefits.

RECENT FINDINGS

The aforementioned berries provide essential and nonessential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and various phenolic compounds. Similar to the other reported berries, these berries possess good antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective effects. The bioactive components present in the berries are crucial for the overall well-being of humans and hence consumption of berries mentioned in part-III as well as part-I and part-II possesses substantial health benefits, particularly cognitive and cardio health.

Bioaccessibility of carotenoids, tocochromanols, and iron from common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) landraces

Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are among the most important legumes for human nutrition. The aim of the present study was to characterize the composition and in vitro bioaccessibility of tocochromanols, carotenoids, and iron from 14 different landraces and 2 commercial common bean varieties. Phytic acid, dietary fiber, and total (poly)phenolic content were determined as factors that can modify the bioaccessibility of the studied compounds. Two carotenoids were identified, namely lutein (4.6-315 ng/g) and zeaxanthin (12.2-363 ng/g), while two tocochromanols were identified, namely γ-tocopherol (2.62-18.01 µg/g), and δ-tocopherol (0.143-1.44 µg/g). The iron content in the studied samples was in the range of 58.7-144.2 µg/g. The contents of carotenoids, tocochromanols, and iron differed significantly among the studied samples but were within the ranges reported for commercial beans. After simulated gastrointestinal digestion, the average bioaccessibility of carotenoids was 30 %, for tocochromanols 50 %, and 17 % for iron. High variability in the bioaccessible content yielded by the bean varieties was observed. Dietary fiber, phytic acid and total (poly)phenol contents were negatively correlated with the bioaccessibility of carotenoids, while iron bioaccessibility was negatively correlated with the total (poly)phenol content. The principal component analysis indicated that the bioaccessibility of lutein was the main variable involved in class separations. The composition of the food matrix plays an important role in the bioaccessibility of carotenoids, tocochromanols and iron from cooked beans.

Effects of Food-Derived Antioxidant Compounds on In Vitro Heavy Metal Intestinal Bioaccessibility

Environmental contamination by heavy metals (HMs) has emerged as a significant global issue in recent decades. Among natural substances, food-deriving polyphenols have found a valuable application in chelating therapy, partially limited by their low water solubility. Thus, three different hydroalcoholic extracts titrated in quercetin (QE), ellagic acid (EA), and curcumin (CUR) were formulated using maltodextrins as carriers, achieving a powder with a valuable water solubility (MQE 91.3 ± 1.2%, MEA 93.4 ± 2.1, and MCUR 89.3 ± 2%). Overcoming the problem of water solubility, such formulations were tested in an in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion experiment conducted on a water sample with standardized concentrations of the principal HMs. Our results indicate that regarding the nonessential HMs investigated (Pb, Cd, As, Sb, and Hg), MQE has been shown to be the most effective in increasing the HMs' non-bioaccessible concentration, resulting in concentration increases in Cd of 68.3%, in As of 51.9%, in Hg of 58.9%, in Pb of 271.4, and in Sb of 111.2% (vs control, p < 0.001) in non-bioaccessible fractions. Regarding the essential HMs, MEA has shown the greatest capability to increase their intestinal bioaccessibility, resulting in +68.5%, +61.1, and +22.3% (vs control, p < 0.001) increases in Cu, Zn, and Fe, respectively. Finally, considering the strong relation between the antiradical and chelating activities, the radical scavenging potentials of the formulations was assayed in DPPH and ABTS assays.

Harmony in Motion: Unraveling the Nexus of Sports, Plant-Based Nutrition, and Antioxidants for Peak Performance

The intricate interplay between plant-based nutrition, antioxidants, and their impact on athletic performance forms the cornerstone of this comprehensive review. Emphasizing the pivotal importance of dietary choices in the realm of sports, this paper sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of how stress and physical performance are interconnected through the lens of nutrition. The increasing interest among athletes in plant-based diets presents an opportunity with benefits for health, performance, and recovery. It is essential to investigate the connection between sports, plants, and antioxidants. Highlighting the impact of nutrition on recovery and well-being, this review emphasizes how antioxidants can help mitigate oxidative stress. Furthermore, it discusses the growing popularity of plant-based diets among athletes. It elaborates on the importance of antioxidants in combating radicals addressing stress levels while promoting cellular health. By identifying rich foods, it emphasizes the role of a balanced diet in ensuring sufficient intake of these beneficial compounds. Examining stress within the context of sports activities, this review provides insights into its mechanisms and its impact on athletic performance as well as recovery processes. This study explores the impact of plant-based diets on athletes including their types, potential advantages and challenges. It also addresses the drawbacks of relying on plant-based diets, concerns related to antioxidant supplementation and identifies areas where further research is needed. Furthermore, the review suggests directions for research and potential innovations in sports nutrition. Ultimately it brings together the aspects of sports, plant-based nutrition, and antioxidants to provide a perspective for athletes, researchers and practitioners. By consolidating existing knowledge, it offers insights that can pave the way for advancements in the ever-evolving field of sports nutrition.

Bioaccessibility data of potentially toxic elements in complementary foods for infants: A review

The introduction of complementary foods (CFs) is a critical step in an infant's transition to solid foods, providing essential nutrients beyond breast milk. However, CFs may contain potentially toxic elements (PTEs), such as arsenic and cadmium that pose health risks to infants. In this context, understanding the bioaccessibility of PTEs is vital as it determines the fraction of a contaminant released from the food matrix and available for absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Efforts have been made to standardize the assessment methodology for bioaccessibility, ensuring consistent and reliable data. Moreover, regulatory agencies have established guidelines for PTEs levels in food. However, important gaps still exist, which motivates many research opportunities on this topic.

Total Zn of foods and bioaccesible fractions in the small and large intestine after in vitro digestion and fermentation with fecal material of healthy adults and children: Influence of culinary techniques

The healthy status of human beings is associated with an appropriate nutritional status in Zn, which must firstly be bioavailable. We measured the total Zn amount and its bioaccesibility in raw foods and after cooking by common culinary techniques. These foods were submitted to an in vitro digestion and fermentation with faecal inocula from healthy adults and children to evaluate Zn bioaccesibility in the small and large intestine. Mean total Zn amount provided by foods was 8.080 μg/g. Zn amount released from food in the small intestine was significantly different among several food groups and lower in raw vegetal foods compared to cooked ones (frying, roasting and grilling; p < 0.05); the same behaviour was found in the large intestine for healthy children. Zn bioaccesibility in the large intestine varied statistically according to the subjects' idiosyncrasies, and was higher in healthy children (p < 0.05) probably due to growth demands and different composition of the colonic microbiota. In healthy adults and children, the bioaccesible fractions were 33.0 ± 20.4 % for the small intestine, 16.4 ± 22.0 and 59.6 ± 29.9% for the large one, and the non-bioaccessible ones 50.6 ± 19.9 and 7.4 ± 9.1%, respectively.

Bioaccessibility of Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn in Fruit and Vegetables by the In Vitro UBM and Statistical Evaluation of the Results

The total, gastric, and gastro-intestinal Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn concentrations in eight fruit and vegetable samples were investigated. The unified bioaccessibility method (UBM) developed by BARGE (Bioaccessibility Research Group of Europe) was performed for in vitro bioaccessibility experiments. Total and bioaccessible concentrations of Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn were determined by ICP-OES and ICP-MS, respectively. The accuracy of the methods was verified using BGS 102 for the BARGE UBM and SRM 1573a for total analysis. The mean BF (%) order for Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn was Mn (101) > Zn (88) > Fe (60) > Cu (30) in gastric phase and Mn (78) > Zn (69) > Fe (46) > Cu (29) in gastro-intestinal phase. The results show that Mn and Zn in all the samples have the greatest bioaccessible values, while the values for Cu are much lower. The relationships among total, gastric, and gastro-intestinal element concentrations were investigated using statistical analysis such as correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis (CA). Total and bioaccessible Cu, Mn, and Zn concentrations were significantly correlated with each other.

Assessment of total concentration and bioaccessible fraction of minerals in peaches from different cultivars by MIP OES

This paper describes studies for the determination of total concentration and bioaccessible fraction of minerals in peaches by MIP OES. The PCA analysis identified 3 distinct groups of elements concerning the total concentration, which was attributed to the origin of each cultivar. Among the macroelements, K presented higher values for total concentration, while B and Fe predominated among the microelements. Regarding the bioaccessible fraction, Mn presented the highest percentage (46-84%), followed by Zn and B (10-63% and 33-57%, respectively). Pearson's correlation coefficient revealed that reducing sugars and titratable acidity can influence the mineral bioaccessibility, highlighting the strong positive correlations between reducing sugars with Mn and total acidity with Fe. Peach cultivars have satisfactory nutritional value, but the total and bioaccessible concentrations of minerals obtained do not meet the recommended daily needs, requiring the consumption of other fruits and vegetables to complement the diet.

Advances in static in vitro digestion models after the COST action Infogest consensus protocol

In vitro digestion models are essential to predictively evaluate the bioaccessibility and bioactivity of food molecules or natural products. Dynamic models better simulate the gastrointestinal conditions as they reproduce similar physiological environments. Despite this, static methods, also known as biochemical methods, represent a simple and useful approach for the study of different types of molecules, with a broad applicability in the nutritional, pharmaceutical, and toxicological fields. In addition, static models can be validated, avoiding the disadvantage of a difficult reproducibility of dynamic in vitro systems and inter-individual variations of in vivo experiments. A crucial point in the standardization of static models was the COST Action Infogest in 2014, which elaborated an international consensus static digestion method to harmonize experimental conditions and has general guidelines, thus allowing the comparison of studies and data. The aim of our review is to underline the impact of the Infogest consensus method and the development and evolution of in vitro static methods in the following years, with a focus on food applications.

Quality of New Functional Powdered Beverages Enriched with Lyophilized Fruits—Potentially Bioaccessible Antioxidant Properties, Nutritional Value, and Consumer Analysis

This study evaluates nutrients and health-promoting compounds responsible for antioxidant capacity in eight novel formulations based on lyophilized fruit and vegetable powders. The composition contained lyophilized carrot, pumpkin, lentil sprouts, raspberry, strawberry, and apple. The effect of functional additives on the antioxidant, nutritional, and functional characteristics of powdered beverages was determined in the powders and after rehydration followed by in vitro digestion. The antioxidant activity, phenols, vitamin C, and reducing power were significantly higher in the powders enriched with additives having potential functional properties. Furthermore, the analyses indicated that all the powdered formulations may be potential sources of total starch (100–112 mg/100 mL) and proteins (125–139 mg/100 mL). The designed powdered beverages after reconstitution exhibited high antioxidant content, reasonable consumer acceptance, and good in vitro bioaccessibility. The best results of antioxidant capacity were obtained for beverages enriched with raspberry, i.e., 10.4 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/100 mL and 12.1 mg TE/100 mL rehydrated at 20 °C and 80 °C, respectively. Additionally, color characteristics were used as indicators of the quality of the powdered beverages. This research promotes the reduction of food waste, since whole plant tissues are used, thus allowing maximum exploitation of food raw materials; moreover, drying provides stable shelf life.

Effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the mineral content, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity of commercial pulps of purple and white açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.)

Mineral content, total phenolic compounds (TPC), and antioxidant capacity were determined in three samples of purple-açaí (coarse-PAC, medium-PAM, and fine-PAF), and one of white-açaí (coarse-WAC) and their respective bioaccessible fractions. TPC content differed in all samples, with PAC (583.79 mgAGE/100 g) having the highest content; however, PAM showed higher bioaccessibility (32.27%). PAC presented higher antioxidant capacity in the FRAP tests (74.34 μM FeSO4/g) and ABTS (55.05 μM Trolox/g). However, no differences were found in DPPH between PAC (1986.66 EC50) and PAM (2408.88 EC50) samples. Antioxidant capacity was decreased in all samples after digestion. Potassium was in the highest proportion (7121.90 mg/100 g-PAC), followed by Ca (349.92 mg/100 g-PAM), and Mg (169.41 mg/100 g-PAM), in all the samples. However, Ca presented the highest bioaccessible fraction, followed by Mg and Mn, with the highest percentages observed in WAC samples (90.30, 74.30, and 64.52%, respectively).

Simplified Method of Multi-Elemental Analysis of Dialyzable Fraction of Tea Infusions by FAAS and ICP OES

A fast and straightforward sample preparation procedure of the dialyzable fraction of infusions of teas prior to their analysis on Al, Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Sr, and Zn contents by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) was developed and validated. The proposed methodology was based on acidification with HNO3 only and demonstrated good analytical performance, i.e., precision (0.80-5.0%), accuracy (< 5%), recoveries of elements (97.4-105%), and their detection limits (0.075-1.1 μg L-1) along with linearity of calibration curves in the whole studied concentration ranges. Applicability of the evaluated procedure, being a useful alternative to time-consuming wet digestions, was tested by determining bioaccessibility of elements in 20 infusions of black (BT) and green (GT) teas as assessed with the aid of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Average contributions of bioaccessible fractions (%) of studied metals were as follows: 1.18 (Al)-40.7% (Ca) and 4.65% (Al)-46.3% (Ca) for BTs and GTs, respectively. Drinking daily four cups (1 L) of tea, recommended dietary intakes (RDIs) of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, and Zn were covered to a small degree (< 1.5%). Only bioaccessibility of Mn highly contributed to RDI for this metal. According to provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTWIs) for toxic elements such as Al and Ni, consumption of both types of teas should not represent any health risk. Additionally, analysis of variance of results clearly indicated that BTs and GTs were mostly differentiated due to concentrations of the bioaccessible fraction of Al, Ba, Cu, and Ni.

Aluminum content and effect of in vitro digestion on bioaccessible fraction in cereal-based baby foods

The aim of this work was to determine the total concentration and the effect of in vitro digestion on the bioaccessible fraction of aluminum (Al) in 35 different cereal-based baby food samples and estimate the exposure to this element considering the consumption of this product. Total Al content was determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry after oxidative microwave digestion. An in vitro digestion method was applied and optimized to evaluate the bioaccessible fraction. The methods performance was efficient for both approached analysis and presented limits of detection and quantitation of 53 μg kg^-1 and 89 μg kg^-1, respectively. Total concentration and bioaccessibility varied according to the product composition (rice, oat, wheat, barley, corn, multicereal and fruit). Multicereals and fruit-based (plum) cereals presented the highest total Al concentrations (8.82 mg kg^-1 and 7.49 mg kg^-1, respectively), whilst lower values were observed for corn and rice flour cereals (0.92 mg kg^-1 and 1.09 mg kg^-1, respectively). The bioaccessible fraction varied from 1.5% to 10.4% in the evaluated samples. Exposure to Al was estimated and compared with the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) of 2 mg kg^-1 body weight. The results showed that the daily consumption of three portions of cereals contributes up to 10.48% of the PTWI, when considering the total Al concentration reported in this study.

Wheat bread enriched with raspberry and strawberry oilcakes: effects on proximate composition, texture and water properties

Oilcakes from the oilseed industry are rich in dietary fibre and protein by-products. We assessed the impact of wheat flour replacement with raspberry and strawberry oilcakes on the proximate composition of bread, colour, texture and water behaviour. The substitution influenced the ash, fat and protein content causing an increase in the content of each of the analysed macronutrients. The crumb colour components (CIE L*a*b*) were shifted toward red while the saturation of yellow decreased. Texture analysis showed that the hardness and chewiness of crumb with oilcakes increased as well as springiness decreased. It was found that flour substitution with oilcakes limited significantly water transport and also influenced the molecular dynamics of water in the bread crumb. 1H NMR measurement results of relaxation times demonstrated that the free water in relation to the bound water in the examined systems depended on the amount of the flour replaced by the oilcake, as well as on the botanical origin of the oilcakes.

In vitro gastrointestinal digestion to evaluate the total, bioaccessible and bioavailable concentrations of iron and manganese in açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) pulps

Açaí pulp consumption has increased in Brazil and worldwide. Recently, a high average content of manganese (450 mg/kg) was observed in açaí pulp, raising the hypothesis of toxicological effects associated to its ingestion. However, the total concentration of an element does not reflect the real benefits and risks of consuming a food. In this context, the total, bioaccessible and bioavailable concentrations of Fe and Mn were assessed in 9 açaí pulps. Fe and Mn contents ranged from 27.6 to 73 and from 145 to 1197 mg kg^-1, respectively. Fe and Mn bioaccessibilities represented from 29 to 40 and from 39 to 55% of total amounts. Fe bioavailabilities were lower than LOQ and those of Mn varied from 8 to 17% of total. A daily consumption of 100 g of açaí pulp exceeds by at least 1.5-fold the recommended Mn daily intakes for adults whereas poorly contributes to Fe intakes. Since the lowest Mn bioaccessible and bioavailable fraction corresponded to a Mn intake value higher than the tolerable upper intakes for children and that high amounts of Mn intake may impair Fe absorption, higher açaí consumption may be worrisome. Future nutritional, toxicological and speciation studies must be undertaken.

Monkey orange fruit juice improves the nutritional quality of a maize-based diet

This paper studied the nutritional impact of the use of juice from Strychnos cocculoides (monkey orange) in a maize-based porridge. Monkey orange juice is traditionally used to supplement maize porridge - a staple breakfast cereal especially for vulnerable groups. Monkey orange fruits contain high amounts of micronutrients and phenolic compounds and are widely distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The valuable components can be efficiently extracted by traditional and pectinase maceration techniques. The bioaccessibility of minerals and main phenolic compounds in maize porridge (5 g maize meal) supplemented by monkey orange juice (100 ml) were assessed after in-vitro digestion together with the kinetics of starch degradation. Caffeic and protocatechuic acids exceeded 100%, and chlorogenic acid 81% bioaccessibility after simulated intestinal digestion. Rutin was undetected after the simulated intestinal phase due to precipitation in the pellet. In-vitro bioaccessibility of minerals ranged from 12 to 62% in monkey orange enriched porridge. A 50-70% decrease of starch hydrolysis was observed at the end of the simulated intestinal digestion of monkey orange maize porridge confirming the known potential of phenolic compounds to decrease the glycaemic index of starch-rich foods. Consequently monkey orange juice appeared a suitable ingredient to enrich staple maize porridge thanks to its micronutrients and health benefit potential. Similar relationships of other fruits and starchy foods warrant study as a means to improve the nutritional quality of the diets of malnourished populations.

Minerals from Macroalgae Origin: Health Benefits and Risks for Consumers

Seaweeds are well-known for their exceptional capacity to accumulate essential minerals and trace elements needed for human nutrition, although their levels are commonly very variable depending on their morphological features, environmental conditions, and geographic location. Despite this variability, accumulation of Mg, and especially Fe, seems to be prevalent in Chlorophyta, while Rhodophyta and Phaeophyta accumulate higher concentrations of Mn and I, respectively. Both red and brown seaweeds also tend to accumulate higher concentrations of Na, K, and Zn than green seaweeds. Their valuable mineral content grants them great potential for application in the food industry as new ingredients for the development of numerous functional food products. Indeed, many studies have already shown that seaweeds can be used as NaCl replacers in common foods while increasing their content in elements that are oftentimes deficient in European population. In turn, high concentrations of some elements, such as I, need to be carefully addressed when evaluating seaweed consumption, since excessive intake of this element was proven to have negative impacts on health. In this regard, studies point out that although very bioaccessible, I bioavailability seems to be low, contrarily to other elements, such as Na, K, and Fe. Another weakness of seaweed consumption is their capacity to accumulate several toxic metals, which can pose some health risks. Therefore, considering the current great expansion of seaweed consumption by the Western population, specific regulations on this subject should be laid down. This review presents an overview of the mineral content of prevalent edible European macroalgae, highlighting the main factors interfering in their accumulation. Furthermore, the impact of using these marine vegetables as functional ingredients or NaCl replacers in foods will be discussed. Finally, the relationship between macroalgae’s toxic metals content and the lack of European legislation to regulate them will be addressed.

Phytochemical Properties and Antioxidant Activities of Extracts from Wild Blueberries and Lingonberries

Among Vaccinium species, blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) are popular in the human diet. In this study, total phenolic, total flavonoid and total monomeric anthocyanin contents in the ethanol-water extracts of blueberry and lingonberry fruits grown wild in the forests in the central region of Poland were assayed. Antioxidant activities of the extracts from each plant were also evaluated for scavenging ability on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and reducing power by cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) method. Total phenolics in the blueberry extracts ranged from 4.58 to 5.28 mg GAE CE/g fw. The extracts from lingonberry fruits contained higher total contents of phenolic compounds (5.82-7.60 mg GAE/g fw) as well as total flavonoids (5.22-6.47 μmol CE/g fw) than those from blueberries (3.74-4.18 μmol CE/g fw). For the total monomeric anthocyanin contents, the blueberry extracts presented significantly higher values (3.01-3.93 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) equivalent/g fw) in comparison to the lingonberry extracts (0.32-0.47). Blueberry extracts exhibited higher antioxidant activity measured by both assays in comparison to lingonberry extracts. Water extracts from fresh and dried fruits also exhibited significant antioxidant activities for both types of berries. Considering the health benefits that have been associated with polyphenolic consumption, these fruits could appear as a good source of this group of phytochemical compounds for their direct consumption or their use as ingredients for the design of new food products or food supplements.