title: Is there any mediterranean diet not affecting bilitec assessment of bile reflux?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Colored food substances may interfere with Bilitec system that uses bilirubin as a marker for the detection of duodeno-gastro-esophageal reflux, causing false positive results. Therefore, diets have been suggested for consumption during Bilitec studies that contain minimal amounts of pigments.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To enrich the list of suitable foods for Bilitec measurements with dishes common in Mediterranean diets, and improve subject's compliance.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety substances were in vivo tested for 'bilirubin absorbance'. 'Dry' substances were blended after being diluted in water, while 'floppy' substances and cooked foods were blended undiluted. Blended mixtures and 'liquids' were tested for bilirubin without further dilution and after being mixed with hydrochloric acid. The procedure was repeated to assess reproducibility of the measurements.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Measurements are highly reproducible. Thirty five foods exhibited 'bilirubin absorbance' values safely below the threshold, and are considered to be suitable for Bilitec studies. On the contrary some vegetables and fruits, legumes, tomato sauce preparations, red wine, coffee, tea and jams showed high absorbance values, and are not recommended.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Menus containing part of the variety of Mediterranean food preparations are safely recommended for consumption during Bilitec studies, enriching food lists available at present.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Laboratory Gastrointestinal Motility, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zacharioudakis
authors.forename: Emmanuel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Chrysos
authors.forename: Elias
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Athanasakis
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tsiaoussis
authors.forename: Konstandinos
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Karmoiris
authors.forename: Evaghelos
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Xynos
mesh_terms: D001655:Bile Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D001663:Bilirubin / Q000032:analysis; D038441:Diet, Mediterranean / Q000009:adverse effects; D005504:Food Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D005511:Food Handling / Q000592:standards; D005518:Food Preferences; D006801:Humans; D015203:Reproducibility of Results
chemical_list: D001663:Bilirubin