Salsolinol in urine following chocolate consumption by social drinkers

Several studies have shown that there are differential levels of salsolinol excretion between consumers of varying levels of alcohol. The excreted salsolinol may arise during metabolism of alcohol, reflect endogenous biosynthesis of the compound, or result from ingestion of exogenous salsolinol. A previous study identified that salsolinol excretion in urine distinguished light and heavy social drinkers, who had consumed chocolate (containing salsolinol) in combination with a test dose of alcohol. The present study was designed to examine the relationship between social drinking level and the excretion of salsolinol after ingesting dietary salsolinol alone. Participants were 120 volunteers, balanced for gender, social drinking level (abstainers, light, moderate and heavy), and dose of salsolinol. Urine samples were taken on entry, and at 90 minutes and 3 hours after consumption of chocolate. Analysis revealed a dose effect on salsolinol excretion. There were no main or interactive effects of gender or social drinking on salsolinol excretion. The results indicate that the appearance of salsolinol in urine following dietary consumption alone is insufficient to distinguish alcohol consumption levels in social drinkers.