Phenolic
acids,
flavonoids,
proanthocyanidins, and
ellagitannins are
polyphenols that may have beneficial effects on human health and provide protection against
chronic diseases. To date, limited data exist on quantitative intake of
polyphenols. The aims of this study were to estimate the quantitative intakes of
polyphenols by using analyzed concentrations together with individual food consumption records and to determine major dietary sources. Analyzed concentrations of phenolic
acids,
anthocyanidins, and other
flavonoids,
proanthocyanidins, and
ellagitannins (44 total
polyphenol compounds) were entered into the national food composition database, Fineli. The absolute intakes of the
polyphenols and the corresponding food sources were calculated on the basis of 48-h dietary recalls of 2007 Finnish adults. The mean total intake of
polyphenols was 863 +/- 415 mg/d. Phenolic
acids comprised the dominant group of
polyphenols (75% of total intake) followed by
proanthocyanidins (14%) and
anthocyanidins and other
flavonoids (10%). Due to their high consumption and high concentrations of phenolic
acids,
coffee and cereals were the main contributors to total
polyphenol intake. Berries and berry products were the main source for
anthocyanidins,
ellagitannins, and
proanthocyanidins, and fruits were the main source for
flavonols,
flavones, and
flavanones. The results give additional support to the recommendations for a varied diet with fruits, berries, cereals, and vegetables.