Determinants of serum enterolactone concentration

¹National Public Health Institute, Department of Epidemiology and Health Promotion, Helsinki, Finland. annamari.kilkkinen@ktl.fi

|May 31, 2001

Summary

Serum enterolactone levels, linked to gut health and diet, vary widely. Key factors include lignan-rich foods and constipation, but gut microflora

Area of Science:

Background:

Enterolactone is a lignan produced by gut microflora from dietary precursors.
Enterolactone may offer protection against hormone-dependent cancers and cardiovascular diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the cross-sectional associations between serum enterolactone concentration and diet/health variables in Finnish adults.
To identify factors influencing enterolactone levels in a general adult population.

Main Methods:

Cross-sectional study of 2380 Finnish adults (aged 25-64) from a 1997 national survey.
Serum enterolactone measured via time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay.
Dietary intake assessed using a food-frequency questionnaire; background data collected via self-administered questionnaires.

Main Results:

Median serum enterolactone concentrations were 13.8 nmol/L (men) and 16.6 nmol/L (women), with wide ranges.
In men, enterolactone correlated positively with whole-grain, fruit, berry intake, and constipation.
In women, enterolactone correlated positively with vegetable intake, age, and constipation, and negatively with smoking; normal weight women had higher levels.

Conclusions:

Serum enterolactone concentration exhibits significant population variability.
Lignan-rich food consumption and constipation are key determinants, but explain limited variation, highlighting the potential importance of gut microflora metabolism.
Further research is needed on lignan bioavailability and absorption rates.

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