What if there were an easy way to measure your intake of whole grains, something simple like the dipstick you use to check your oil? Researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle are following up a promising lead for doing just this.

The team, led by Laura Guyman, found a potential biomarker for whole grain consumption, that was excreted in people’s urine. This biomarker corresponded closely to the amount of whole grain wheat, barley and rye that subjects reported having eaten. The study, published in the Journal of Nutrition (2008 Oct; 138(10):1957-62), did not elaborate on whether the same test of urinary DHPPA would also document consumption of other whole grains.

But maybe, just maybe, someday soon when you visit your family doctor for a checkup, routine testing will show you’ve been eating too many pork rinds, and not enough whole grains! (Cynthia – Sept. 25, 2008)