Determination of biogenic amines in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers by HPLC

Eight biogenic amines (histamine, tyramine, tryptamine, 2-phenyl-ethylamine, putrescine, cadaverine, spermine and spermidine) in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers have been determined by HPLC. The results obtained ranged between 0.1 and 17.2 ppm. Only six amines were found because histamine and spermine were not present in detectable amounts. Spermidine was detected in all samples (0.3–1·4 ppm) despite absence of references in the literature about the content of this amine in beers. Non-alcoholic beers did not have significantly lower amounts of biogenic amines than alcoholic beers.