Fengyi He1, Chaogang Chen1, Feng Li2, Yiqin Qi2, Xiuhong Lin1, Ping Liang1, Meng Ren2, Li Yan3. 1. Department of Clinical Nutrition, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China. 2. Department of Endocrinology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China. 3. Department of Endocrinology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China. yanli@mail.sysu.edu.cn.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Due to the lack of evidence, advice pertaining to glycemic load (GL) can be misleading. Does the excessive restriction of GL, mostly through an extreme reduction in carbohydrate intake, result in a relatively high intake of fat and protein and result in overweight and obesity? This study was performed to initially explore the optimal GL range. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 2029 participants aged 40 years or older in Guangzhou, China was conducted. Participants were divided into four groups according to cluster analysis. Dietary data were assessed using a previously validated 3-day food record. RESULTS: Instead of participants with the highest [cluster 1, median (interquartile ranges) GL was 112(107-119)/1000 kcal] and the lowest GL intake [cluster 4, 90(82-96)/1000 kcal], those with moderate GL intakes [clusters 2 and 3, 93(85-102) and 93(85-99)/1000 kcal, respectively] had a lower prevalence of overweight, obesity and diabetes. In addition, clusters 2 and 3 were more consistent with the macronutrient intake reference with adequate micronutrient intake. Therefore, the optimal GL range was determined to be (85-100)/1000 kcal, rather than "lower is better". CONCLUSIONS: Reducing the GL intake to prevent diabetes deserves more attention in the context of a balanced diet. An appropriate GL may be better than excessive restriction.
BACKGROUND: Due to the lack of evidence, advice pertaining to glycemic load (GL) can be misleading. Does the excessive restriction of GL, mostly through an extreme reduction in carbohydrate intake, result in a relatively high intake of fat and protein and result in overweight and obesity? This study was performed to initially explore the optimal GL range. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 2029 participants aged 40 years or older in Guangzhou, China was conducted. Participants were divided into four groups according to cluster analysis. Dietary data were assessed using a previously validated 3-day food record. RESULTS: Instead of participants with the highest [cluster 1, median (interquartile ranges) GL was 112(107-119)/1000 kcal] and the lowest GL intake [cluster 4, 90(82-96)/1000 kcal], those with moderate GL intakes [clusters 2 and 3, 93(85-102) and 93(85-99)/1000 kcal, respectively] had a lower prevalence of overweight, obesity and diabetes. In addition, clusters 2 and 3 were more consistent with the macronutrient intake reference with adequate micronutrient intake. Therefore, the optimal GL range was determined to be (85-100)/1000 kcal, rather than "lower is better". CONCLUSIONS: Reducing the GL intake to prevent diabetes deserves more attention in the context of a balanced diet. An appropriate GL may be better than excessive restriction.
Authors: Juliana C N Chan; Vasanti Malik; Weiping Jia; Takashi Kadowaki; Chittaranjan S Yajnik; Kun-Ho Yoon; Frank B Hu Journal: JAMA Date: 2009-05-27 Impact factor: 56.272
Authors: N H Cho; J E Shaw; S Karuranga; Y Huang; J D da Rocha Fernandes; A W Ohlrogge; B Malanda Journal: Diabetes Res Clin Pract Date: 2018-02-26 Impact factor: 5.602
Authors: Rania A Mekary; Eric B Rimm; Edward Giovannucci; Meir J Stampfer; Walter C Willett; David S Ludwig; Frank B Hu Journal: Am J Clin Nutr Date: 2011-11-02 Impact factor: 7.045
Authors: D J Jenkins; T M Wolever; R H Taylor; H Barker; H Fielden; J M Baldwin; A C Bowling; H C Newman; A L Jenkins; D V Goff Journal: Am J Clin Nutr Date: 1981-03 Impact factor: 7.045