Is there any mediterranean diet not affecting bilitec assessment of bile reflux?
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.
Zacharioudakis
George
G
Department of General Surgery, Laboratory Gastrointestinal Motility, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
Chrysos
Emmanuel
E
Athanasakis
Elias
E
Tsiaoussis
John
J
Karmoiris
Konstandinos
K
Xynos
Evaghelos
E
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
D001663:Bilirubin