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Investigation of the reliability of 24 h urine excretion as a biomarker of isoflavone exposure over time and over a wide range of isoflavone intakes

Abstract

Objective: To study the variation in genistein+daidzein intake over a 6-month period and test the reliability of 24 h urinary isoflavones as a biomarker of exposure over time.

Design: Dietary genistein+daidzein intake was assessed at various time points throughout six months in 15 healthy subjects. Group 1 (n=8) followed nonsupplemented diets and Group 2 (n=7) took a 35 mg/d isoflavone supplement for 3 months and each subject provided a 24 h urine collection, validated with para-aminobenzoic acid, during weeks 7, 15 and 19. Urine was analysed for genistein and daidzein using LC-MS.

Results: Isoflavone intake in Groups 1 and 2 ranged from 0.00 to 1.1 mg/d and 0.1 to 53.1 mg/d, respectively. Urine excretion for both groups ranged from 0.20 to 9.56 mg/d. The relationship between 24 h excretion and isoflavone intake is y=0.44 × ±0.03(standard deviation) + 1.57; r=0.89, P<0.001.

Conclusion: The 24 h urinary isoflavones can be used as biomarkers of isoflavone exposure over time.

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Guarantor: M Ritchie.

Contributors: MR conducted the study and prepared the first and final draft of the manuscript, MM assisted with sample preparation and contributed to the manuscript, AT recruited and screened volunteers, referred by General Practitioners, at breast clinic and contributed to the manuscript, ND and AB carried out LC-MS analysis of samples and contributed to the manuscript, JC organised the results and contributed to the manuscript, and CS assisted with the study design and contributed to the manuscript.

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Correspondence to M R Ritchie.

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Ritchie, M., Morton, M., Thompson, A. et al. Investigation of the reliability of 24 h urine excretion as a biomarker of isoflavone exposure over time and over a wide range of isoflavone intakes. Eur J Clin Nutr 58, 1286–1289 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601963

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