Title
A critical assessment of some biomarker approaches linked with dietary intake
Author
Centraal Instituut voor Voedingsonderzoek TNO
Crews, H.
Alink, G.
Andersen, R.
Braesco, V.
Holst, B.
Maiani, G.
Ovesen, L.
Scotter, M.
Solfrizzo, M.
van den Berg, R.
Verhagen, H.
Williamson, G.
Publication year
2001
Abstract
In this review many examples are given of the complexities involved in using some biomarkers in relation to assessing the effects of dietary exposure, when there is frequently a need to determine changes following long-term low level exposure to dietary components. These range from understanding why the biomarker might be valuable and how best it can be measured, to the pitfalls which can occur in the interpretation of data. Analytical technique is considered in relation to folate and selenium, and flavonoid and carotenoid species are used to illustrate how the metabolism of a compound may alter the validity or adequacy of a marker. Vitamin A is discussed in relation to the difficulties which can arise when there are several biomarkers that may be available to assess exposure to one nutrient. Vitamin B12 is discussed in relation to the dietary choices made by individuals. Possible interactions and the role of measuring total antioxidant capacity is considered in some detail. In contrast to most nutrients, there is a marked lack of biomarkers of either exposure or effect for most non-nutrients. The role of biological effect monitoring is considered for dietary contaminants, fumonisins and polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons. Aflatoxins are discussed to exemplify food contaminants for which the biomarker approach has been extensively studied. Finally some compounds which are deliberately added to foods and some which appear as processing contaminants are each considered briefly in relation to the requirement for a biomarker of exposure to be developed. Chemicals/CAS: Aflatoxins; Antioxidants; Biological Markers; Carotenoids, 36-88-4; Flavonoids; Folic Acid, 59-30-3; Food Additives; Free Radicals; Polycyclic Hydrocarbons, Aromatic; Selenium Compounds; Selenium, 7782-49-2; Vitamin A, 11103-57-4; Vitamin B 12, 68-19-9
Subject
Biomarkers of exposure
Dietary intake
Non-nutrients
Nutrients
Aflatoxins
Antioxidants
Biological Markers
Brassica
Carotenoids
Developing Countries
Diet
Environmental Exposure
Flavonoids
Folic Acid
Food Additives
Food Analysis
Food Contamination
Free Radicals
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
Humans
Intestinal Absorption
Meat
Neoplasms
Nutritional Status
Polycyclic Hydrocarbons, Aromatic
Predictive Value of Tests
Reproducibility of Results
Selenium
Selenium Compounds
Sensitivity and Specificity
Vitamin A
Vitamin B 12
Vitamin B Deficiency
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http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:3252e280-ca40-4817-8367-b836d346973a
TNO identifier
236255
ISSN
0007-1145
Source
British Journal of Nutrition, 86 (86)
Document type
article