Two-hundred fifty foods were tested for their content in a common AGE marker N-carboxymethyllysine (CML), using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on an anti-CML monoclonal antibody. Lipid and protein AGEs were represented in units of AGEs per gram of food.
Foods of the fat group showed the highest amount of AGE content with a mean of 100±19 kU/g. High values were also observed for the meat and meat-substitute group, 43±7 kU/g. The carbohydrate group contained the lowest values of AGEs, 3.4±1.8 kU/g. The amount of AGEs present in all food categories was related to cooking temperature, length of cooking time, and presence of moisture. Broiling (225°C) and frying (177°C) resulted in the highest levels of AGEs, followed by roasting (177°C) and boiling (100°C).
The results indicate that diet can be a significant environmental source of AGEs, which may constitute a chronic risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney damage.