Heterocyclic Amines (HCA)

Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) contain at least one heterocyclic ring (with atoms of at least 2 different elements) and one amine group, attached to the heterocyclic ring. Major groups of HCAs are the Pyrrolidines, the Pyrroles (in Hb and vitamin B12), the Pyridines (vitamin B3 and B6), and the Pyrimidines (vitamin B1), which include the Purines (adenine, guanine).

Many HCA are harmless, or even beneficial (eg vitamins), whereas others, created by cooking or burning, may cause cancer.