The EPA, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), National Toxicology Program (NTP), and the Department of Health and Human Services have concluded that acrylamide is likely to be carcinogenic to humans.
How can acrylamide affect my health? The main targets of acrylamide toxicity are the nervous system and reproductive system. Nervous system effects such as muscle weakness, numbness in hands and feet, sweating, unsteadiness, and clumsiness were reported in some acrylamide workers.
The bad news about acrylamide is that prolonged exposure of high concentrations can damage the human nervous system and even cause cancer (although no human studies have been conducted).
The major food sources of acrylamide are French fries and potato chips; crackers, bread, and cookies; breakfast cereals; canned black olives; prune juice; and coffee. Acrylamide levels in food vary widely depending on the manufacturer, the cooking time, and the method and temperature of the cooking process (5, 6).
► Acrylamide is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There is some evidence that it causes cancer of the pancreas in humans and it has been shown to cause central nervous system, mammary, scrotum, and other types of cancers in animals.
Once in your body, acrylamide enters your body fluids. Acrylamide and its breakdown products leave your body mostly through urine; small amounts may leave through feces, exhaled air, and breast milk.
Acrylamide was identified as a “possibly carcinogenic to humans” compound by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 1994 and classified in group 2A [44,45].
Drinking more water, a lot more water for some of us, will probably be the most important thing you can do to get rid of Acrylamide. However, make sure you are drinking pure water; otherwise you may inadvertently increase your exposure. Taking herbs to improve kidney and liver detoxification may be helpful.
Roasted coffee beans contain small quantities of a compound called acrylamide. In high amounts, acrylamide can be harmful. There are even concerns that it may also cause cancer. However, research suggests that drinking coffee in moderation is generally safe and may even have a range of health benefits.
McDonald's French Fries, large, 6.2 oz. The amount of acrylamide in a large order of fast-food French fries is at least 300 times more than what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency allows in a glass of water. Acrylamide is sometimes used in water-treatment facilities.
Air-frying equipment is not known to cause cancer, but the process of air frying does result in the formation of certain compounds, like acrylamide, that are linked to cancer development. Acrylamide is classified as a probable human carcinogen.
In most cases, the symptoms and signs of acrylamide exposure have been reversible, with full resolution after 2–12 months of exposure withdrawal, although some symptoms can persist for several years [5].
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration monitors acrylamide levels in certain foods, and amounts in peanuts and peanut products are low or undetectable. If present, acrylamide naturally forms when peanuts are roasted; it is not added to peanut butter by manufacturers.
Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products; Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts; and.
However, it is recommended not to abuse frying, to prevent the formation of acrylamide. This will reduce the content of glycoalkaloids. If they are peeled before boiling, the glycoalkaloid content is reduced.
Soaking raw potato slices in water for 15-30 minutes before frying or roasting helps reduce acrylamide formation during cooking. (Soaked potatoes should be drained and blotted dry before cooking to prevent splattering or fires.) Storing potatoes in the refrigerator can result in increased acrylamide during cooking.
Acrylamide content levels of between ≤ 30 and 700 µg kg−1 were determined in cocoa masses from 11 different places of origin. The mean content levels of the 23 examined chocolate samples came to 139 µg kg−1 in the dark chocolates (N = 18) and 67 µg kg−1 in the milk chocolates (N = 5), respectively [16].
Coffee manufacturers can also help to reduce the levels of acrylamide in coffee by storing the coffee beans for longer periods of time before roasting, or by roasting the coffee beans at a lower temperature.
“Acrylamide forms when foods like potatoes and cereals become crispy and brown. It even forms in roasted coffee beans.” That means acrylamide is in the crunch of potato chips, the crispy edges of French fries, and in toasted snacks and rich roasted coffees. But Stelwagen says it's not as much of a worry as it sounds.
Breakfast cereals – cornflakes and all-bran flakes are the worst offenders, while porridge oats contain no acrylamide at all.
Acrylamide forming substances (e.g., asparagine and reducing sugars) should be washed away from the surface of the potatoes and vegetables after they are cut by soaking them in water. Soaking them in water will reduce formation of acrylamide during frying.
Sweet potato starch contains the natural precursor of acrylamide (AA) which is a neurotoxic compound. Therefore, reducing the amount of AA in fried and baked sweet potato chips is critically important. Raw sweet potato not only contains starch but also other nutrients.
Bread often contains what may be considered to be low amounts of acrylamide. However, due to its high consumption rate, its contribution to dietary exposure is still considerable.
Effective January 1, 2023, businesses selling food containing acrylamide have the option of using the following, non-mandatory warning: CALIFORNIA WARNING: Consuming this product can expose you to acrylamide, a probable human carcinogen formed in some foods during cooking or processing at high temperatures.
For acrylamide, the safe harbor level is the same as the so-called no significant risk level (NSRL): 0.2 micrograms per day. An eight-ounce cup of Starbucks runs about 9 parts per billion acrylamide, which translates to about 2 micrograms, or ten times the NSRL.