Biomarkers of Processed Meat Intake in Healthy Subjects Clinical Trial
Official title:
Intervention Study to Identify Biomarkers of Processed Meat Intake
The intake of processed meat products has been linked to several adverse health outcomes. However, estimation of their intake proves difficult. This study aims at identifying biomarkers of intake for processed meat products in blood and urine. For this, participants of a randomized cross-over dietary intervention will consume highly controlled diets containing non-processed pork, different processed meat products or no meat. Urine and plasma will be collected and analysed to identify sets of metabolites that are specific for the intake of the processed meat products.
The intake of processed meat has been linked to several adverse health outcomes such as
cancer. However, little is known about the respective effects of the single products in this
diverse group.
Most epidemiological studies rely on self-reported questionnaires to assess the intake of
different foods. Even though this method is relatively easy to perform, it is prone to errors
such as memory biases of subjects or difficulties in estimating portion size. The use of food
specific biomarkers may overcome this limitation by offering an objective quantification of
dietary exposure. No biomarkers for the consumption of processed meat products have been
established yet.
Twelve human healthy adults will participate in a randomized cross-over dietary intervention
study and will consume three different processed meat products, fresh meat or no meat, each
during 3 successive days followed by a 10-day washout period. The metabolite profile in urine
and plasma samples will be analysed to find metabolites that are specific for the intake of
the processed meat products.
The identification of these biomarkers in blood and urine will allow a more precise
estimation of intake of different processed meat products. This will enable a more robust
estimation of the risk linked to the intake of processed meat products.
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