Deterministic and probabilistic health risk assessment of α-chaconine and α-solanine in potato products consumed in Korea

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the health risks of α-chaconine and α-solanine, glycoalkaloids (GAs) commonly found in potatoes, in the Korean population using both deterministic and probabilistic approaches. A total of 146 potato samples, including raw and processed varieties, were analyzed for these GAs using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography–photodiode array method. GAs were detected in 63.0% of samples, with concentrations ranging from 2.29 to 172.19 mg kg⁻¹. Deterministic risk assessments, based on daily dietary exposure estimates, indicated that the 1–2-year-old age group had the highest exposure to these compounds. Although the margin of exposure (MOE) values for most age groups exceeded 10, indicating low health risk, the MOE values for the 1–2-year-old group fell below 10 in certain scenarios, such as the 95th percentile extreme exposure, raising potential safety concerns. Probabilistic risk assessment using Monte Carlo simulations provided a more refined evaluation by accounting for variability in consumption patterns. This study underscores the importance of using both approaches for a thorough risk assessment, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children. Further research on GA levels in processed potatoes is recommended to better understand exposure and mitigate risks.

Practical Application

This research helps ensure the safety of potato products by evaluating the health risks of GAs found in potatoes. The findings highlight the need to monitor GA levels and could guide food safety regulations and industry practices to protect vulnerable groups, such as young children, from potential risks.