Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination in clinical nutrition: Levels and associated health risks in enteral nutrition formulas.
TL;DR
It is suggested that currently marketed ENFs do not pose a significant PAH-related health risk for adult consumers, however, given the vulnerability of ENF users, continued monitoring of raw materials, processing, and packaging remains warranted to ensure product safety.
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the levels of 16 priority PAHs in commercial enteral nutrition formulas (ENFs) marketed in Türkiye and to assess dietary exposure and associated carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks under different consumption scenarios. Across all products, most PAH concentrations were either below the limit of detection or present only at trace levels, demonstrating very low contamination. Although a limited number of samples showed relatively higher concentrations of high-molecular-weight PAHs, such as ∑4PAHs reaching up to 3.06 μg/kg and ∑16PAHs up to 5.48 μg/kg, overall PAH levels remained low and did not suggest significant toxicological concern. Exposure modelling demonstrated that estimated PAH intakes were negligible in both partial- and full-dependence consumption scenarios (A and B, respectively). Hazard Index values remained well below the threshold for non-carcinogenic effects (Reference value: 1), while Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk values fell within negligible ranges (3.55×10-8-4.76×10-7). The Margin of Exposure calculations (1,854,054-249,000,000) further supported the absence of carcinogenic concern, remaining well above the benchmark across all PAH groupings. These findings collectively suggest that currently marketed ENFs do not pose a significant PAH-related health risk for adult consumers. However, given the vulnerability of ENF users, continued monitoring of raw materials, processing, and packaging remains warranted to ensure product safety.