Estimated human intake of endogenous and exogenous hormones from beef in the United States

BACKGROUND: Endogenous and exogenous hormones may be present in beef. Human consumption of hormones has been linked to adverse health effects. OBJECTIVE: To estimate daily intake of hormonal growth promotants (HGP) from beef consumed by the US population. METHODS: We combined self-reported beef consumption information from a nationally-representative survey with concentrations of 12 HGP measured in 397 samples of retail beef/fat purchased in California. We defined typical, high, and maximum intake scenarios assuming self-reported consumed beef contained the mean, 95th percentile, and maximum concentrations of each HGP, respectively. We estimated distributions of usual (i.e., long-term) daily intake and short-term daily intake (µg/kg/day). We calculated the hazard quotient (HQ), or ratio of estimated intake to the World Health Organization's acceptable daily intake (ADI) for the HGP. RESULTS: The highest estimated HQs were found for melengestrol acetate (MGA). For usual daily intake under the typical intake scenario, no HQ exceeded 0.02 (0.00047 µg MGA/kg/day). Under the maximum intake scenario, the highest HQ was 0.29 (0.0087 µg MGA/kg/day), corresponding to the 99th percentile of intake among young boys (ages 1–5). The highest short-term intake estimates for MGA under the maximum intake scenario were the 99th percentile of intake among young girls and boys, which equaled (HQ = 1.00) or exceeded (HQ = 1.29) the ADI for MGA, respectively. IMPACT: HGP are used to increase beef production and have been linked to adverse reproductive effects. Estimated daily intake was highest for young children, but estimates were generally very low compared to current health-based intake limits. However, these limits are typically based on studies in adult animals; further study of potential adverse effects during sensitive developmental periods, such as in early life, may be warranted to ensure recommended intake limits are health-protective.