Low-Glycemic Index Diets as an Intervention in Metabolic Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

We aimed to investigate the effects of a low-glycemic index (GI) diet on the body mass and blood glucose of patients with four common metabolic diseases by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing a low-GI diet (LGID) and other types of diet. Search terms relating to population, intervention, comparator, outcomes, and study design were used to search three databases: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. We identified 24 studies involving 2002 participants. Random-effects models were used for 16 studies in the meta-analysis and stratified analyses were performed according to the duration of the intervention. The systematic review showed that LGIDs slightly reduced body mass and body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.05). BMI improved more substantially after interventions of >24 weeks and there was no inter-study heterogeneity (I2 = 0%, p = 0.48; mean difference (MD) = −2.02, 95% confidence interval (CI): −3.05, −0.98). Overall, an LGID had superior effects to a control diet on fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycosylated hemoglobin. When the intervention exceeded 30 days, an LGID reduced FBG more substantially (MD = −0.34, 95% CI: −0.55, −0.12). Thus, for patients with metabolic diseases, an LGID is more effective at controlling body mass and blood glucose than a high-GI or other diet.

Functional Foods for Treatment and Prevention of Obesity and Its Associated Disorders

Obesity has now become an epidemic affecting wide variety of population across the world. It is associated with a cluster of cardiovascular diseases and other related metabolic disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer which is mainly caused due to the dysbiosis in the energy intake and expenditure. Researchers have found a wide variety of functional foods from different sources which help in combating and prevention of obesity and its related diseases. Recent advancement in nutritional science has led to the development of several functional foods with low glycemic index. The present chapter highlights about the problems related to obesity and the importance of various functional foods which have great potential to be incorporated in our daily diet to curb the menace of obesity.

Results of Malnutrition Correction in Children with Cystic Fibrosis with Hypercaloric Formulas for Enteral Nutrition for One Month: Cohort Study

Background. The use of hypercaloric formulas in cystic fibrosis patients has the risks of negative effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Thus, it is interesting to analyze the efficacy of malnutrition correction and the safety of hypercaloric enteral products with a low glycemic index and with medium-chain triglycerides content of 50%.Objective. The aim of the study is analyze the efficacy of malnutrition correction with therapeutic hypercaloric product for enteral nutrition in children with cystic fibrosis.Methods. The study included patients aged from 3 to 18 years with malnutrition (BMI < 50 percentile) who were prescribed therapeutic hypercaloric formula to correct the malnutrition. Anthropometric indicators (height, body weight), actual nutritional status, pancreatin doses, lung function, carbohydrate metabolism rates, and cholestasis marker (bile acid concentration) were measured initially and after 1 month of using formula nutrition.Results. The children’ body weight (Me) has increased from 24.5 (21.2; 38.7) to 25.3 kg (21.6; 39.7) (p = 0.001), growth (Me) — from 133.5 (120.2; 146.5) to 136.5 cm (123.0; 148.5) (p < 0.001) after 1 month of using hypercaloric formula. The growth percentile increased from 33 to 40, the z-criterion values — from –0.5 to –0.3 SD (p < 0.001). There was no increase in BMI in dynamics due to the fact that the growth of children was ahead of body weight increase. The daily energy intake increased by an average of 450 kcal that was 21.8% regarding physiological need.Conclusion. The inclusion of hypercaloric formula in the diet of children with cystic fibrosis for 1 month significantly increases the indicators of linear growth and positively affects the overall physical development. There were no negative effect of formula on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

Effects of Different Types of Carbohydrates on Arterial Stiffness: A Comparison of Isomaltulose and Sucrose

Increased arterial stiffness during acute hyperglycemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but the type of carbohydrate that inhibits it is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of low-glycemic-index isomaltulose on arterial stiffness during hyperglycemia in middle-aged and older adults. Ten healthy middle-aged and older adult subjects orally ingested a solution containing 25 g of isomaltulose (ISI trial) and sucrose (SSI trial) in a crossover study. In the SSI trial, the brachial–ankle (ba) pulse wave velocity (PWV) increased 30, 60, and 90 min after ingestion compared with that before ingestion (p < 0.01); however, in the ISI trial, the baPWV did not change after ingestion compared with that before ingestion. Blood glucose levels 30 min after intake were lower in the ISI trial than in the SSI trial (p < 0.01). The baPWV and systolic blood pressure were positively correlated 90 min after isomaltulose and sucrose ingestion (r = 0.640, p < 0.05). These results indicate that isomaltulose intake inhibits an acute increase in arterial stiffness. The results of the present study may have significant clinical implications on the implementation of dietary programs for middle-aged and elderly patients.

Natural Jerusalem artichoke syrups with prebiotic properties

Выполнен обзор коммерчески доступных сиропов из различного натурального растительного сырья, используемых в качестве альтернативных сахару подслащивающих веществ пониженной калорийности, здорового углеводного профиля, с пребиотическими свойствами. Приведена общая характеристика и отражен химический состав растительного сырья (топинамбур, цикорий) и сиропов (из сорго, якона, агавы, кленовый, пальмовый, кукурузный), минеральные вещества (макро- и микроэлементы), витамины. Предложена и в производственных условиях апробирована современная инновационная мембранная технология получения фруктозно-глюкозного и фруктоолигосахаридного биосиропов из топинамбура, направленная на наиболее полное использование и сохранение природного состава клеточного сока растения. Фруктоолигосахариды топинамбура обладают пребиотическими свойствами, являются низкокалорийными подсластителями, создают чувство сытости, способствуют контролю массы тела, облегчают пищеварение, имеют низкий гликемический индекс и не вызывают кариес. Для апробации использования в пищевой промышленности приведена сравнительная характеристика сиропов из сахарной свеклы и топинамбура, которые получены на промышленном предприятии. Биосиропы с высоким содержанием фруктозы и олигофруктозный сироп изучены по углеводному составу и протестированы в приготовлении безалкогольных напитков. A review of commercially available syrups from a variety of natural plant materials used as alternatives to sugar, low-calorie sweeteners with a healthy carbohydrate profile and prebiotic properties is reviewed. The general characteristics and the chemical composition of plant raw materials (Jerusalem artichoke, chicory) and syrups (sorghum, yacon, maple, agave, palm, corn) are given: minerals (macro- and microelements), vitamins. A modern innovative membrane technology for producing fructose-glucose and fructo-oligosaccharide biosyrups from Jerusalem artichoke has been proposed and tested in production conditions, aimed at the most complete use and preservation of the natural composition of the plant cell juice. Jerusalem artichoke fructo-oligosaccharides have prebiotic properties, are low-calorie sweeteners, create a feeling of satiety, promote weight control, facilitate digestion, have a low glycemic index and do not cause tooth decay. For approbation of use in the food industry, a comparative characteristic of sugar beet and Jerusalem artichoke syrups, which are obtained at an industrial enterprise, is given. High fructose biosyrups and oligofructose syrup have been studied for their carbohydrate composition and tested in the preparation of soft drinks.

Glycemic Index Values of Pasta Products: An Overview

Durum wheat pasta is considered a low-glycemic index (GI) food. In recent years, the interest in developing enriched pasta has increased. Since both the formulation and processing technologies may affect the GI, this study aimed to investigate the GI values of pasta products (pp) reported in the literature until 2020. GI values of pp analyzed following the ISO guidelines were included in this survey. A total of 95 pp were identified and, according to their formulation, classified into 10 categories (n, mean GI): category n 1: 100% refined wheat (35, 55); category n 2: 100% whole wheat (6, 52); category n 3: other cereal-based products (8, 52); category n 4: containing egg (5, 52); category n 5: gluten free (11, 60); category n 6: containing legumes (9, 46); category n 7: noodles and vermicelli (9, 56); category n 8: containing vegetable or algae (6, 51); category n 9: containing other ingredients (5, 37); category n 10: stuffed (1, 58). Overall, pasta is confirmed to be a medium–low-GI food, even if a high variability among or within each category emerged. The formulation of enriched pp able to elicit a controlled glycemic response could represent a strategy to improve the nutritional value of pasta.