A systematic review: on the mercaptoacid metabolites of acrylamide, N-acetyl-S-(2-carbamoylethyl)-L-cysteine

Acrylamide is widely found in a variety of fried foods and cigarettes and is not only neurotoxic and carcinogenic, but also has many potential toxic effects. The current assessment of acrylamide intake through dietary questionnaires is confounded by a variety of factors, which poses limitations to safety assessment. In this review, we focus on the levels of AAMA, the urinary metabolite of acrylamide in humans, and its association with other diseases, and discuss the current research gaps in AAMA and the future needs. We reviewed a total of 25 studies from eight countries. In the general population, urinary AAMA levels were higher in smokers than in non-smokers, and higher in children than in adults; the highest levels of AAMA were found in the population from Spain, compared with the general population from other countries. In addition, AAMA is associated with several diseases, especially cardiovascular system diseases. Therefore, AAMA, as a biomarker of internal human exposure, can reflect acrylamide intake in the short term, which is of great significance for tracing acrylamide-containing foods and setting the allowable intake of acrylamide in foods.

Automated summary

Acrylamide, a neurotoxic and carcinogenic compound, is widely present in fried foods and cigarettes. Its intake assessment through dietary questionnaires is limited due to confounding factors. This review focuses on the levels of AAMA, a urinary metabolite of acrylamide in humans, its association with diseases, and research gaps and future needs. Studies from eight countries showed higher urinary AAMA levels in smokers and children, with the highest levels found in the population from Spain. AAMA is associated with various diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases, making it an important biomarker for internal acrylamide exposure and setting allowable intake in foods.