Original Contribution Evaluation of a Novel Isotope Biomarker for Dietary Consumption of Sweets

Carbon isotopic signatures (‘‘dC’’) might reflect consumption of cornand cane-based sweeteners. The authors hypothesized that the dC value of human serum is higher for individuals with high versus low intakes of cornand cane-based sweeteners (measured as sweetened beverage intake). They conducted a cross-sectional study within the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Magnetic Resonance Imaging study (Maryland, 2005–2006). Diet was assessed by food frequency questionnaire, and blinded serum samples were assayed by natural abundance stable isotope mass spectroscopy. Studied were 186 participants (53% male; mean age, 71 years; mean body mass index, 30 kg/m). Serum dC values for individuals with high sweetened beverage intakes were significantly higher than for those with low intakes ( 19.15& vs. 19.47&, P < 0.001). Serum dC value increased 0.20& for every serving/day of sweetened beverages (P < 0.01). The association between sweetened beverages and serum dC value remained significant after adjustment for confounding by corn-based product intake (P < 0.001). Serum dC values were also associated with waist circumference, body mass index, and waist-to-hip ratio. This study provides the first known evidence that the dC value of human serum differs between persons consuming low and high amounts of sweets. Within the proper framework, serum dC value could be developed into an objective biomarker promoting more reliable assessment of dietary sweets intake.