Abstract
Background and aimsGlucoTRIG, based on postprandial plasma insulin and triglyceride concentrations, has been recently developed as a novel index to determine the postprandial metabolic response to the meals. This study aimed to test GlucoTRIG as a measure for ranking composite meals for their metabolic effects.MethodsIn a randomized cross-over trial, healthy adult volunteers (both males and females; n = 10 for each meal) consumed three is caloric (2000 kj) test meals (meal 1, meal 2, meal 3) of varying macronutrient composition. Postmeal consumption, venous blood samples were collected to determine plasma insulin and plasma triglycerides for estimating the GlucoTRIG value using (Triglycerides180min × Insulin180min) - (Triglycerides0min × Insulin0min).ResultsThe GlucoTRIG values differed significantly (p = 0.0085) across meals. The statistical significance remains even after adjusting for confounding variables such as baseline diet, insulin, and triglycerides. The meal (M3) with a high fiber, low total fat content and containing less refined foods (fruits, beans, vegetables, plain yogurt) exhibited a significantly (p = 0.007) lower GlucoTRIG value (10 ± 7.7) compared to the other two meals, M1 (77 ± 19.8) and M2 (38 ± 12.1) which contained low processed foods, and were relatively high in fat and low in fiber meals. No statistically significant differences were observed between M1 and M2 meal.ConclusionsGlucoTRIG is a physiologically based index that may be useful to rank composite meals for reducing the risk of metabolic diseases. Further research focusing on the application of GlucoTRIG to foods, meals, and diets is warranted.ACTRN12619000973112 (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ANZCTR).
Highlights
The epidemic of metabolic diseases has encouraged the development of nutrient profile models in an attempt to improve people’s understanding of healthier foods to prevent obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) [1]
We have recently introduced and conceptualized GlucoTRIG index, that incorporates the effects of triglycerides via serum triglyceride change, and that of glucose and other macronutrients and their combined effect via insulin measurement, to determine the metabolic response to a meal
All the participants met the study inclusion criteria; aged between 18 and 40 years at initial assessment, body mass index (BMI) between 18 and 29.9 Kg/m2, non-smokers; not pregnant; currently not taking any lipid-lowering drugs or supplements or anti-hypertensive drugs; no history of eating or metabolic disorders; no allergy or intolerance to any of the food products or ingredients used in the study
Summary
The epidemic of metabolic diseases has encouraged the development of nutrient profile models in an attempt to improve people’s understanding of healthier foods to prevent obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) [1]. Established physiological models applied to meals and single foods, have substantial scope to assist consumers to understand the nutrient composition of foods and their metabolic effects in a better way [1]. A better understanding of the relationship between diet and health has increased the demand for food nutrient indices utilizing postprandial measurements. Recent data provide evidence for postprandial lipid, glucose, and insulin abnormalities as independent risk factors for nutrition-related non-communicable diseases [2, 3]. Postprandial hyperglycemia raises the risk for T2DM [3], CVD and cardiovascular mortality, even in individuals with fasting glucose levels within acceptable ranges [4]. Available evidence suggests that the postprandial triglyceride level is an independent predictor of CVD [5]. These observations highlight the relevance of diet and its metabolic consequences for the risk of developing metabolic diseases. This study aimed to test GlucoTRIG as a measure for ranking composite meals for their metabolic effects
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