enterolaktoneiksi

Enterolaktoneiksi, or enterolactones in English, are metabolites produced in the human gut by intestinal bacteria from plant lignans found in foods such as flaxseed, sesame, whole grains and legumes. The primary compound in this group is enterolactone, with related metabolites like enterodiol formed along the same microbial transformation pathway. After formation, these lignan-derived compounds are absorbed and often conjugated in the liver to glucuronides or sulfates before circulating in the bloodstream.

Biological activity of enterolaktoneiksi is that of a phytoestrogen, meaning it can interact with estrogen receptors but generally exhibits weak estrogenic or antiestrogenic effects that depend on tissue type and hormonal context. In addition to receptor interactions, these metabolites may influence other signaling pathways, though the precise health-relevant mechanisms are still being studied.

In nutrition and epidemiology, enterolaktoneiksi serve as biomarkers of dietary lignan intake and gut microbial conversion efficiency. Their circulating and urinary levels vary according to diet, the composition of the gut microbiota, antibiotic use, age and metabolic factors. Observational studies have reported associations between higher enterolactoneiksi levels and some favorable health outcomes, such as reduced risk of certain hormone-related cancers and cardiovascular conditions, but findings are not yet consistent or conclusive enough to establish causality.

Notes: enterolaktoneiksi are not drugs; increasing their production depends on consuming lignan-rich foods and on the individual gut microbiome. Ongoing research aims to clarify their precise health implications and potential clinical relevance.