Ingested [2-14C]-epicatechin is metabolized extensively by rats.
19 radiolabeled metabolites and microbiota-derived catabolites were identified.
78% of the ingested radioactivity was excreted in urine and 19% in feces.
No oxidized metabolites of [2-14C]-epicatechin were detected.
Epicatechin metabolism in rats is very different to that occurring in humans.