Effects of seasoning on the formation of heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in meats: A meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#amines #cooking #heterocyclic-compounds #meat #polycyclic-aromatic-hydrocarbons

Effects of seasoning on the formation of heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in meats: A meta-analysis

Neves et al., 2021 | Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf | Meta Analysis

Citation

Neves Thaís de Moura, da Cunha Diogo Thimoteo, ... Domene Semíramis Martins Álvares. Effects of seasoning on the formation of heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in meats: A meta-analysis. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. 2021-Jan;20(1):526-541. doi:10.1111/1541-4337.12650

Abstract

Cooking improves digestibility, palatability, and microbiological profile of meats, but can produce compounds with carcinogenic potential, such as heterocyclic amines (HAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). It has been shown that the formation of these compounds in meats can be inhibited by spiced marinades, but there is a complexity to check and compare the results of isolated studies with so many variables involved. Thus, this work aimed to review studies that evaluated the effects of spices on the formation of HAs and PAHs in meats according to cooking techniques and spice type. A meta-analysis with a random effect model was conducted using response ratios (R) to identify and summarize previous results and answer the research question. The use of spices before frying (R = 0.52), grilling (R = 0.63), or roasting (R = 0.74) meat, and spicing with garlic and onion (R = 0.57), pepper (R = 0.63), and other spices with phenolic compounds (R = 0.63), decrease the formation of HAs and PAHs, due to the antioxidant and electron transfer capacity. In this article, we discuss how the improvement of culinary techniques with the dissemination of knowledge about meat preparation conditions is an effective strategy for reducing the formation and ingestion of HAs and PAHs; this is important due to the growing evidence about the association between meat consumption and chronic diseases. This is the first systematic review with meta-analysis about this topic and can guide industry, food services, and population to improve the safety associated with meat consumption.

Key Findings

This is the first systematic review with meta-analysis about this topic and can guide industry, food services, and population to improve the safety associated with meat consumption.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Amines
  • Cooking
  • Heterocyclic Compounds
  • Meat
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: garlic

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09