Biohit Oyj Press Release 28.4.2014 at 5 pm local time (EET)
Biohit Oyj measured acetaldehyde concentration levels in the Spanish cavas involved in the Helsingin Sanomat rating (HS 24.4.2014). In 2009, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which forms part of the World Health Organization, classified acetaldehyde included in and generated endogenously from alcoholic beverages as a Group I human carcinogen. Acetaldehyde belongs to the same risk class as, for example, asbestos and tobacco. One common principle applies to all Group I carcinogens: every available means should be used to avoid exposure to these substances.
Risk groups to alcohol-induced acetaldehyde are chronic PPI users as well as people suffering from gastric mucosal damage (atrophic gastritis) and dysfunction caused by acid-free stomach. Atrophic gastritis can be caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or by autoimmune disease. Atrophic gastritis as well as Helicobacter pylori are reliably found with the GastroPanel test developed by Biohit.
Table 1. Free acetaldehyde concentrations in cavas analyzed by a gas chromatography.
| Rating | Product name | Acetaldehyde µM / l (mg/l) |
| 3 | Gramona Imperial Gran Reserva 2007 | 205 (9) |
| 4 | Pago de Tharsys Millésime Rosé Brut Reserva 2009 | 175 (7,7) |
| 5 | Freixenet Vintage Reserva 2011 | 83 (3,7) |
| 6 | Codorníu Selección Raventós Pinot Noir Brut | 133 (5,9) |
| 7 | Castellblanc Rosado Cava Semi Seco | 49 (2,2) |
| 8 | Cava Faustino Extra Seco | 257 (11,3) |
| 9 | Cava Vallformosa Brut Vintage 2011 | 64 (2,8) |
| 10 | Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut | 66 (2,9) |
| Elysée | 41 (1,8) |
Noteworthy in results is that every other cava the acetaldehyde concentration exceeds the cosmetic products special risk limit of 5 mg / l (SCCS 2012). For comparison purposes, a domestic sparkling wine Elysée was included, the acetaldehyde content of which is lowest in the range.
Alcohol researcher, Docent Peter Eriksson, University of Helsinki: “Acetaldehyde is a double-edged sword. In connection with drinking alcohol it will cause euphoric sensation, but also the unpleasant hangover symptoms can be partly attributed to it. It would be in many ways beneficial for health to find solutions in order to reduce acetaldehyde concentration. ”
CEO Semi Korpela, Biohit Oyj: ´Acetaldehyde effect is cumulative and the exposure is harmful to everyone. In particular at-risk groups should be able to make informed purchasing decisions and pay attention to the exposure to acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde exposure can be tested at www.acetium.com. Recently, an Italian research group (Paiano et al. 2014) measured acetaldehyde in alcohol beverages. According to the study, results suggest that consumer guidance may be necessary.´
References:
Measurements and additional information: www.biohithealthcare.com > Laboratory Services > Determination of Acetaldhyde
Paiano et al. 2014 Risk assessment for the Italian population of acetaldehyde in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24518311
SCCS 2012: http://www.biohithealthcare.com/resource/files/tutkimus/eusccsacetaldehyde2012versioiv.pdf
HS Cava rating April 25, 2014: www.hs.fi/ruoka/a1398227270363 (In Finnish)
Additional information:
CEO Semi Korpela, Biohit Oyj
tel. +358 9 773 861
investor.relations@biohit.fi
www.biohithealthcare.com
Biohit in brief
Biohit Oyj is a globally operating Finnish biotechnology company. Biohit’s mission is “Innovating for Health” – we produce innovative products and services to promote research and early diagnosis. Biohit is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, and has subsidiaries in Italy and the UK. Biohit's Series B share (BIOBV) is quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki in the Small cap/Healthcare group. www.biohithealthcare.com