Theoretical evaluation of using wastewater-based epidemiology to assess the nutritional status of human populations

Conventional methods for assessing nutritional status in human populations are challenging and subject to biases. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) presents a potentially attractive alternative approach. A theoretical evaluation was performed by analyzing literature-reported dietary metabolites and known linkages to health effects in human populations. Analytes examined included 1-methylhistidine (meat intake), isoflavones and lignans (phytoestrogens), allyl isothiocyanates (cruciferous vegetables), and alkyl resorcinols (whole-wheat intake). Results obtained from theory identify WBE as a promising and economical tool for tracking dietary trends in human populations. Since the limitations inherent to quantitative WBE and to conventional survey tools are distinct, their combined use may be beneficial for producing more comprehensive and robust information.