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Author Spotlight: Quantification of Complex Lipidomic Samples Using Stable Isotope Labeling
Published on: August 23, 2024
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Safety of stable isotope use
B Koletzko1, T Sauerwald, H Demmelmair
1Kinderpoliklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Germany.
European Journal of Pediatrics
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Stable isotope tracers are safe for diagnostic and research use, even in children. Deuterium (2H) may cause side effects at high doses, but heavier isotopes like carbon-13 (13C) are safe.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Medical Diagnostics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Stable isotope tracers are increasingly used in diagnostics and research.
- Concerns exist regarding potential risks, especially in pediatric populations.
- Isotope effects are linked to atomic weight differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety of stable isotope tracers for clinical and research applications.
- To assess potential adverse effects in different age groups, particularly children.
- To differentiate risks associated with various stable isotopes.
Main Methods:
- Review of animal and human studies on biological effects of stable isotopes.
- Analysis of physical, chemical, and biochemical properties influencing isotope effects.
- Evaluation of dose-response relationships for adverse events.
Main Results:
- Deuterium (2H) can cause side effects at high concentrations, exceeding typical tracer doses.
- Heavier stable isotopes (13C, 15N, 18O) show no adverse biological effects, even at high enrichments.
- Current clinical tracer doses are considered safe.
Conclusions:
- Stable isotope tracers used in clinical diagnostics and research are generally safe.
- Pediatric use requires confirmation of tracer safety, purity, and stability.
- Intravenous preparations must be sterile and pyrogen-free.
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