Food impact study on selected breath VOCs using portable mass spectrometry

Food metabolism is very complex, and impact of specific diet on human wellness can be difficult to reveal. Due to its non-invasive nature, breath analysis is getting more engaged in nutritional research. However, extensive research among different population groups is still required. To provide accurate diagnostic and diet recommendations, an individual approach is required. For wide screening accomplishment, it is necessary to establish novel, portable and affordable solutions to complement conventional diagnostic techniques. Therefore, a novel sensor for breath VOCs analysis was utilized in this research on different population groups. Exhaled breath samples were collected from people with diabetes in Germany and people with cardiovascular diseases in Belgium together with informed consents and ethical approvals. Along with the samples, all the participants provided information about their lifestyle via short questionnaire. Samples were collected in 1L Tedlar bags with one sample being taken before the meal and one 2h after the meal. Key compounds that were monitored were breath acetone, ethanol, isoprene, and n-pentane. They were analysed using a portable membrane inlet mass spectrometer (MIMS) according to a previously established method [1]. Quantified VOCs levels in people with diabetes and people with cardiovascular diseases were compared with those from healthy participants, previously obtained using the same instrument and method [1]. ANOVA statistical test was used for determination of possible statistically significant differences among examined groups of participants and VOCs levels changes upon the food consumption. Involvement of more participants from different populations will enable database set for future VOC sensor predictions. [1] Jakšić, M., Mihajlović, A., Vujić, D., Giannoukos, S., Brkić, B. Membrane inlet mass spectrometry method for food intake impact assessment on specific volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath. Anal Bioanal Chem (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-022-04168-