(P31-37-26) Translational Food-Omics Links Crop Diversity to Metabolic Health Through the Whole-Food Matrix

Objectives: Potatoes are widely consumed in the U.S., yet genotype-level chemical diversity remains underrepresented in food-composition resources. Using standardized Periodic Table of Food Initiative (PTFI) workflows, we profiled metabolomes of two known genotypes and tested whether delivering polyphenol-enriched potato bioactives within an intact potato matrix improves metabolic outcomes versus a purified, NOVA-aligned ultra-processed-like formulation.

Methods: Freeze-dried tubers from diverse genotypes (purple- and white-fleshed) were analyzed using untargeted LC–MS/MS with standardized acquisition, quality control, and PTFI annotation to compare chemical signatures across cultivars. In a 14-week preclinical study, 28 male C57BL/6J mice were randomized to ad libitum, macronutrient-matched obesogenic diets provided either as purified ingredients (HFHC; ultra-processed–like) or as a complex potato-based whole-food matrix from purple (HFHC_PPo) potato. Outcomes included energy intake, adiposity, glucose tolerance, and multi-omics profiling of liver and cecal tissues.

Results: Potato metabolomes differed strongly by genotype, with pigmented cultivars enriched in phenolic and anthocyanin-related features. Compared with HFHC, mice consuming HFHC_PPo exhibited lower food intake and reduced body weight gain, with relative weight gain ~94% lower in the purple potato group (p < 0.05). Glycemic regulation was also improved, as incremental glucose AUC was ~15% lower in the HFHC_PPo groups. Multi-omics analyses revealed signatures consistent with enhanced microbial fermentation and host–microbe nutrient metabolism.

Conclusions: Standardized food-omics can map crop chemical diversity and connect potato-derived bioactive exposure, delivered through whole-food matrices, to metabolic phenotypes, supporting breeding and dietary strategies that prioritize bioactive-rich potato cultivars.

Funding Sources: Periodic Table of food Initiative
USDA-NIFA-AFRI