A versatile UHPLC–MSMS method for simultaneous quantification of various alcohol intake related compounds in human urine and blood

Abstract

Alcohol intake has been associated with preventive as well as negative effects on health. However, the intake estimates are often based on subjective reporting and therefore biased and the types of beverages consumed are often inaccurately reported. Accurate and specific quantification of alcohol related compounds in biological samples may help to understand dietary exposure and metabolic kinetics. The aim of this study was to develop a simple, rapid and versatile UHPLC–MSMS method capable of quantifying various alcohol derived compounds or potential effect markers. The method was thoroughly validated for L-tartaric acid, ethyl sulphate, ethyl-β-D-glucuronide, indoxyl sulphate, p-cresol sulphate, resveratrol, estrone sulphate and dihydroepiandrosterone sulphate. Isocohumulone and isoxanthohumol related to beer intake were also evaluated and the former was found to be detectable but no standards were available for final analytical validation. All selected analytes were analyzed within 6 minutes using negative ionization mode and multiple reaction monitoring.