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Antifreeze proteins: characteristics, occurrence and human exposure
R W R Crevel1, J K Fedyk, M J Spurgeon
1Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Unilever Colworth Laboratory, Colworth House, Sharnbrook, Bedford MK44 1LQ, UK. rene.crevel@unilever.com
Summary
Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) are found in fish, plants, and insects. Dietary intake of AFPs is common and appears safe, with no reported adverse health effects or allergenicity.
Area of Science:
- Food science
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Antifreeze proteins (AFPs), or ice structuring proteins, modulate ice crystal growth.
- AFPs are present in cold-adapted organisms like fish, plants, and insects.
- Human dietary exposure to AFPs is likely, particularly in temperate and northern regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the occurrence of AFPs in nature.
- To estimate human dietary intake of AFPs.
- To assess the safety of AFPs in food.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on AFP occurrence and distribution.
- Estimation of dietary AFP intake based on consumption data (USA, Iceland).
- Assessment of toxicological and allergenic potential based on existing data and functional properties.
Main Results:
- Dietary intake of AFPs is substantial in many regions, primarily from plants and fish.
- Estimated daily fish AFP intake varies significantly by country (e.g., 1-10 mg/day in USA, 50-500 mg/day in Iceland).
- No evidence of adverse health effects or allergenicity associated with AFP consumption.
Conclusions:
- AFPs are widely consumed with a history of safe use.
- The functional properties of AFPs do not indicate toxicologically significant effects.
- Fish AFPs are unlikely to be allergenic based on consumption data and lack of reported reactions.