Unearthing the bioactive properties of potato ( Solanum tuberosum ) for improving metabolic health

Worldwide, both adults and children continue to develop metabolic diseases at an alarming rate. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) refers to a cluster of risk factors associated with an increased risk of noncommunicable diseases. The development of MetS is complex, and its mitigation requires multiple complementary strategies. One promising approach is dietary intervention with nutraceutical-rich foods that strengthen metabolic organs such as the liver and intestines against oxidative stress and inflammation. Potatoes are a widely consumed crop grown globally and are rich in macronutrients and bioactive secondary metabolites, including phenolic acids, carotenoids, and anthocyanins. They also provide resistant starch and dietary fiber that reach the colon undigested, where they positively modulate the gut microbiome, enhance short-chain fatty acid production, and reinforce the intestinal epithelial barrier. This review summarizes how different potato varieties and their chemical constituents mitigate hallmarks of MetS through both direct and indirect mechanisms. Additionally, it discusses molecular pathways induced by potato polyphenols and microbial metabolites that may underlie these effects, with particular emphasis on mediators linking metabolism to intestinal epithelial homeostasis. Current limitations and knowledge gaps are also highlighted, emphasizing the need for standardized potato-based interventions and expanded evaluation of skeletal muscle outcomes.