Effect of age-related in vitro human digestion with gut microbiota on antioxidative activity and stability of vitamins

We aimed to determine the effect of age (adults vs elderly) on the antioxidant activity, digestibility, and stability of vitamins (vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12) during in vitro human digestion. Antioxidant activity and digestibility of vitamin C were not influenced by age, digestion phase, or the gut microbiota, though its stability decreased in the presence of the gut microbiota. The activities of vitamins B6 and B12 differed by age, digestion phase, and the presence of the gut microbiota. Notably, the antioxidant activity and stability of vitamin B6 were reduced under low pH and gut microbiota, respectively. Vitamin B12 levels increased with age and in the presence of the gut microbiota. Together, vitamin C showed as a strong antioxidant regardless of age. Further, these findings could help develop strategies to increase the bioavailability of the vitamin B6 and B12 in the human body by accounting for age and human digestive conditions. •The stability of vitamin C was affected by the gut microbiota, regardless of age.•The activity and stability of vitamin B6 decreased by low pH, and the gut microbiota.•The high activity in vitamin B12 was mainly affected by gut microbiota (E. coli).•These factors can help to confirm the beneficial effect of the ingested vitamins.