Assessment of the Dietary Intake of Acrylamide by Young Adults in Mexico

Abstract

The aims of this work were to estimate the content of acrylamide (AA) in food consumed by young people in Mexico and calculate its intake in this population sector. Fifteen samples of heat-processed commercial foods, widely consumed in Mexico obtained from supermarkets and local convenience stores, and analyzed in triplicate to determine their concentration of acrylamide (µg/kg of product) by HPLC-UV and later assess the intake in young adults. Significantly high contents of acrylamide were found in most foods evaluated; the highest levels were found in fried products (5,914 µg/kg of product in potato chips). Based on food and portions that subjects reported, an intake of Acrylamide of 0.68 µg/kg bw/day was estimated. The estimated daily intake could be at levels above the limit established to avoid the risk of neurotoxicity. This research provides relevant information for public health experts, policy makers and consumers in general.