The present invention related to a composition comprising a pentose and one or more polyphenolic compounds, and to the use of said compositions for managing or reducing glucose and/or lipid absorption in a subject, and/or calorie absorption from dietary protein, carbohydrate and/or fat in a subject. The composition may be used to inhibit one or more enzymes selected from α-glucosidase, inhibitory compositions α-amylase, lipase and protease. The composition may be used to treat or prevent obesity and/or metabolic syndrome and/or hyperglycemia and/or hyperlipidemia in a subject.
