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Dietary determinants of plasma enterolactone
Neilann K Horner1, Alan R Kristal, JoAnn Prunty
1Cancer Prevention Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109-1024, USA.
Summary
Plasma enterolactone, a marker of plant food intake, is also increased by consuming coffee, tea, and alcohol. This study found enterolactone levels correlated with fiber and vegetable intake but were also influenced by beverages.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Human Gut Microbiome Metabolism
- Biomarker Development
Background:
- Enterolactone is a lignan produced by gut bacteria from plant-derived precursors.
- Plasma enterolactone concentration is proposed as a biomarker for plant food consumption.
- Dietary lignans are found in various plant-based foods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between dietary intake and plasma enterolactone levels.
- To evaluate the utility of enterolactone as a specific biomarker for plant food intake.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 193 healthy adults (aged 20-40).
- Dietary intake assessed via food frequency questionnaires and 3-day food records.
- Plasma enterolactone measured using time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay.
Main Results:
- Plasma enterolactone positively correlated with vegetable servings, dietary fiber, alcohol, and caffeine intake.
- Specific botanical groups (Chenopodiaceae, Juglandaceae, Leguminosae, Pedaliaceae, Vitaceae) showed positive correlations.
- Plasma enterolactone increased significantly with higher fiber, caffeine, and moderate alcohol consumption.
Conclusions:
- While plasma enterolactone reflects lignan-containing food exposure, its specificity as a plant food biomarker is limited.
- Consumption of coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages significantly elevates plasma enterolactone levels.
- Further research is needed to refine enterolactone's role as a precise dietary biomarker.