Dietary determinants for Hb-acrylamide and Hb-glycidamide adducts in Danish non-smoking women

Abstract

Acrylamide (AA) is a probable human carcinogen that is formed in heat-treated carbohydrate-rich foods. The validity of FFQ to assess AA exposure has been questioned. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to investigate dietary determinants of Hb-AA and Hb-glycidamide (GA) adducts. The study included 537 non-smoking women aged 50-65 years who participated in the Diet, Cancer and Health cohort (1993-97). At study baseline, blood samples and information on dietary and lifestyle variables obtained from self-administered questionnaires were collected. From blood samples, Hb-AA and Hb-GA in erythrocytes were analysed by liquid chromatography/MS/MS. Dietary determinants were evaluated by multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for age and smoking behaviour among ex-smokers. The median for Hb-AA was 35 pmol/g globin (5th percentile 17, 95th percentile 89) and for Hb-GA 21 pmol/g globin (5th percentile 8, 95th percentile 49). Of the dietary factors studied, intakes of coffee and chips were statistically significantly associated with a 4% per 200g/d (95% CI 2, 7; P<00001) and an 18% per 5g/d (95% CI 6, 31; P=0002) higher Hb-AA, respectively. This model explained 17% of the variation in Hb-AA. Intakes of coffee and biscuits/crackers were statistically significantly associated with a 3% per 200g/d (95% CI 1, 6; P=0005) and 12% per 10g/d (95% CI 3, 23; P=001) higher Hb-GA, respectively. This model explained 12% of the variation in Hb-GA. In conclusion, only a few dietary determinants of Hb-AA and Hb-GA were identified. Thus, the present study implies that dietary intake measured by an FFQ explains only to a limited extent the variation in Hb-AA and Hb-GA concentrations. © 2011 The Authors.