Urine test could reveal if your diet is a threat to your health

Conclusion This well-designed, randomised crossover trial investigated whether the dietary intake in individuals could be revealed and measured using urine samples and found that it is possible. Urine analysis using 1H-NMR spectroscopy was distinct enough to distinguish "healthier" and higher risk diets by looking at the metabolites present in the urine. The researchers hope that this study offers a method which could be used to assess adherence to healthy eating programmes, and potentially be used as a screening tool to identify and monitor individuals at risk of obesity and non-communicable diseases. These tests have the potential to be of benefit as a research tool. Some studies have suggested that as many as 88% of people record their dietary intake inaccurately, so an independent objective measuring tool, could be very helpful. Although this study sounds promising, the study sample was small with only 19 participants completing the full trial. Even in the context of a crossover trial this is very small and may not give reliable enough results from which to draw firm conclusions. Further research with a much larger sample size may be required to see that urine metabolite testing is accurate enough to distinguish dietary patterns and then be used by researchers and health services. If you are trying to improve your diet, and possibly lose weight, then following the NHS Choices Weight Loss Plan may help. This provides downloadable "diet diary" sheets...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Food/diet Medical practice Heart/lungs Cancer Diabetes Source Type: news