Abstract
High whole-grain consumption is related to better health outcomes. The specific physiological effect of these compounds is still unrevealed, partly because the accurate estimation of the intake of whole grains from dietary assessments is difficult and prone to bias, due to the complexity of the estimation of the intake by the consumer. A biomarker of whole-grain intake and type of whole-grain intake would be useful for quantifying the exposure to whole-grain intake. In this review, we aim to review the evidence on the potential biomarkers for whole-grain intake in the literature. We conducted a systematic search in Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane database. In total, 39 papers met the inclusion criteria following the PRISMA guidelines and were included. The relative validity, responsiveness, and reproducibility of these markers were assessed for short-, medium-, and long-term exposure as important criteria for the potential use of these biomarkers from a clinical and research perspective. We found three major groups of biomarkers: (1) alkylresorcinol, as well as its homologs and metabolites, assessed in plasma, adipose tissue biopsies, erythrocyte membranes, and urine; (2) avenacosides, assessed in urine samples; and (3) benzoxazinoid-derived phenylacetamide sulfates, assessed in blood and urine samples. The reviewed biomarkers may be used for improved assessment of associations between whole-grain intake and health outcomes.
Highlights
Whole grains (WGs) are a rich origin of dietary fibers and numerous bioactive compounds
Because biomarkers can accurately assess intake, they can be used for improved assessment of associations between whole-grain intake and health outcomes
Alkylresorcinol and their metabolites showed good responsiveness and short-term relative validity for whole-grain rye and wheat intake. They may potentially be used in research when the assessment of the short-term intake of whole-grain rye and wheat is needed
Summary
Whole grains (WGs) are a rich origin of dietary fibers and numerous bioactive compounds. Each one of these compounds has various physiological functions [1]. A correlation between WGs and a greater nutrient intake and improved quality of diet was reported [11,12]. WGs are defined as “consisting of the intact, ground, cracked, or flaked caryopsis of the grain whose principal anatomical components, the starchy endosperm, germ, and bran, are present in the same relative proportions as they exist in the intact grain” [13]. The Danish official dietary guidelines recommend citizens to prioritize WG components in their diets [15]. Children over 10 years and adults are recommended to eat at least
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