Foods: Beef, charcoal-broiled

Drug/Food interactions Theophylline elimination is increased (half-life shortened) by a low carbohydrate, high protein diet, and charcoal broiled beef (due to a high polycyclic carbon content). Conversely, elimination is decreased (prolonged half-life) by a high carbohydrate low protein diet. Food may alter the bioavailability and absorption pattern of certain sustained-release preparations. Some sustained-release preparations may be subject to rapid release of their contents when taken with food, resulting in toxicity. It appears that consistent administration in the fasting state allows predictability of effects. 

In humans it has been demonstrated that increasing the ratio of protein to carbohydrate in the diet stimulates oxidation of antipyrine and theophylline, while changing the ratio of fat to carbohydrate had no effect. In related studies, humans fed charcoal-broiled beef (food high in polycyclic hydrocarbon content) for several days had significantly enhanced activities of CYPs 1A1 and 1A2, resulting in enhanced metabolism of phenacetin, theophylline, and antipyrine. Studies of this nature indicate that there is significant interindividual variability in these observed responses. 

Hecht SS, Grabowski W, Groth K. 1979. Analysis of faeces for B[a]P after consumption of charcoal-broiled beef by rats and humans. Food Cosmet Toxicol 17 223-227. 

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