1. A critical assessment of some biomarker approaches linked with dietary intake.
- Author
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Crews H, Alink G, Andersen R, Braesco V, Holst B, Maiani G, Ovesen L, Scotter M, Solfrizzo M, van den Berg R, Verhagen H, and Williamson G
- Subjects
- Aflatoxins adverse effects, Aflatoxins analysis, Antioxidants metabolism, Biomarkers analysis, Brassica, Carotenoids analysis, Carotenoids metabolism, Developing Countries, Environmental Exposure, Flavonoids analysis, Flavonoids metabolism, Folic Acid analysis, Folic Acid metabolism, Free Radicals metabolism, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Humans, Intestinal Absorption, Meat, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons adverse effects, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons analysis, Predictive Value of Tests, Reproducibility of Results, Selenium analysis, Selenium metabolism, Selenium Compounds analysis, Selenium Compounds metabolism, Sensitivity and Specificity, Vitamin A analysis, Vitamin A metabolism, Vitamin B 12 analysis, Vitamin B 12 metabolism, Vitamin B Deficiency metabolism, Diet adverse effects, Food Additives analysis, Food Analysis, Food Contamination analysis, Neoplasms etiology, Nutritional Status
- 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.
- Published
- 2001
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