A study of glycemic response to Corinthian raisins in healthy subjects and in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

A collectanea of food insulinaemic index: 2023

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To systematically update and publish the lnsulinaemic Index (II) value compilation of food/beverages.

METHODS

A literature search identified around 400 scholarly articles published between inception and December 2023. II values were pooled according to the selection criteria of at least 10 healthy, non-diabetic subjects with normal BMI. In addition, the II reported should have been derived from incremental area under the curve (iAUC) calculation of the insulin concentration over time. The reference food used from the pooled articles were either glucose or bread.

RESULTS

The II of 629 food/beverage items were found from 80 distinct articles. This is almost a five-fold increase in the number of entries from a previous compilation in 2011. Furthermore, these articles originated from 32 different countries, and were cleaved into 25 food categories. The II values ranged from 1 to 209. The highest overall recorded II was for a soy milk-based infant formula while the lowest was for both acacia fibre and gin. Upon clustering to single food, the infant formula retained the highest II while both acacia fibre and gin maintained the lowest recording. As for mixed meal, a potato dish served with a beverage recorded the highest II while a type of taco served with a sweetener, vegetable and fruit had the lowest II. Our minimum and maximum II data values replace the entries reported by previous compilations.

CONCLUSION

Acknowledging some limitations, these data would facilitate clinical usage of II for various applications in research, clinical nutrition, clinical medicine, diabetology and precision medicine. Future studies concerning II should investigate standardisation of reference food, including glucose and the test food portion. Although this collectanea adds up new food/beverages II values, priority should be given to populate this database.

Determination of Flavonoids and Phenolic Acids in the Liver of Wistar Rats after a Dietary Enrichment with Corinthian Currant (Vitis vinifera L., var. Apyrena): A Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Study

Corinthian currants are dried fruits produced from Vitis vinifera L. var. Apyrena grape. This study investigated the distribution of phenolic compounds in male Wistar rat livers following two distinct Corinthian currant long-term dietary intake protocols (3 and 10% w/w). Method optimization, comparing fresh and lyophilized tissues, achieved satisfactory recoveries (>70%) for most analytes. Enzymatic hydrolysis conditions (37 °C, pH 5.0) minimally affected phenolics, but enzyme addition showed diverse effects. Hydrolyzed lyophilized liver tissue from rats consuming Corinthian currants (3 and 10% w/w) exhibited elevated levels of isorhamnetin (20.62 ± 2.27 ng/g tissue and 33.80 ± 1.38 ng/g tissue, respectively), along with similar effects for kaempferol, quercetin, and chrysin after prolonged Corinthian currant intake. This suggests their presence as phase II metabolites in the fasting-state liver. This study is the first to explore phenolic accumulation in rat liver, simulating real conditions of dried fruit consumption, as seen herein with Corinthian currant.

Corinthian Currants Supplementation Restores Serum Polar Phenolic Compounds, Reduces IL-1beta, and Exerts Beneficial Effects on Gut Microbiota in the Streptozotocin-Induced Type-1 Diabetic Rat

The present study aimed at investigating the possible benefits of a dietary intervention with Corinthian currants, a rich source of phenolic compounds, on type 1 diabetes (T1D) using the animal model of the streptozotocin-(STZ)-induced diabetic rat. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups: control animals, which received a control diet (CD) or a diet supplemented with 10% w/w Corinthian currants (CCD), and diabetic animals, which received a control diet (DCD) or a currant diet (DCCD) for 4 weeks. Plasma biochemical parameters, insulin, polar phenolic compounds, and inflammatory factors were determined. Microbiota populations in tissue and intestinal fluid of the caecum, as well as fecal microbiota populations and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), were measured. Fecal microbiota was further analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. The results of the study showed that a Corinthian currant-supplemented diet restored serum polar phenolic compounds and decreased interleukin-1b (IL-1b) (p < 0.05) both in control and diabetic animals. Increased caecal lactobacilli counts (p < 0.05) and maintenance of enterococci levels within normal range were observed in the intestinal fluid of the DCCD group (p < 0.05 compared to DCD). Higher acetic acid levels were detected in the feces of diabetic rats that received the currant diet compared to the animals that received the control diet (p < 0.05). Corinthian currant could serve as a beneficial dietary component in the condition of T1D based on the results coming from the animal model of the STZ-induced T1D rat.

Temporal Pattern of Neuroinflammation Associated with a Low Glycemic Index Diet in the 5xFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with brain amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide accumulation and neuroinflammation. Currants, a low glycemic index dried fruit, and their components display pleiotropic neuroprotective effects in AD. We examined how diet containing 5% Corinthian currant paste (CurD) administered in 1-month-old 5xFAD mice for 1, 3, and 6 months affects Aβ levels and neuroinflammation in comparison to control diet (ConD) or sugar-matched diet containing 3.5% glucose/fructose (GFD). No change in serum glucose or insulin levels was observed among the three groups. CurD administered for 3 months reduced brain Aβ42 levels in male mice as compared to ConD and GFD, but after 6 months, Aβ42 levels were increased in mice both on CurD and GFD compared to ConD. CurD for 3 months also reduced TNFα and IL-1β levels in male and female mouse cortex homogenates compared to ConD and GFD. However, after 6 months, TNFα levels were increased in cortex homogenates of mice both on CurD and GFD as compared to ConD. A similar pattern was observed for TNFα-expressing cells, mostly co-expressing the microglial marker CD11b, in mouse hippocampus. IL-1β levels were similarly increased in the brain of all groups after 6 months. Furthermore, a time dependent decrease of secreted TNFα levels was found in BV2 microglial cells treated with currant phenolic extract as compared to glucose/fructose solution. Overall, our findings suggest that a short-term currant consumption reduces neuroinflammation in 5xFAD mice as compared to sugar-matched or control diet, but longer-term intake of currant or sugar-matched diet enhances neuroinflammation.

Mediterranean Raisins/Currants as Traditional Superfoods: Processing, Health Benefits, Food Applications and Future Trends within the Bio-Economy Era

This review elaborates on the significance of Mediterranean raisins, focusing particularly on indigenous Greek varieties (e.g., Zante currants) as a previously overlooked traditional food, currently brought on the spotlight, resulting from the increased consumers’ awareness to improve wellness through diet modification. Recent studies on the effect of processing steps on final quality, along with findings on the potential health benefits raisins and currants elicit, are also presented. The development of novel functional food products to further exploit the nutritional value and the bioactive compounds of raisins is evidenced in view of indicating potential food industry applications. Moreover, valorization options of waste and by-product streams obtained from processing facilities are also proposed. Conclusively, raisins and currants should be further enhanced and incorporated in a balanced diet regime through the inclusion in novel foods formulation. Evidently, both the processing of the onset material and side-streams management, are essential to ensure sustainability. Hence, the article also highlights integrated biorefinery approaches, targeting the production of high-value added products that could be re-introduced in the food supply chain and conform with the pillars of bio-economy.

Dried fruit consumption and cardiometabolic health: a randomised crossover trial

Fruit intake is associated with lower risk of cardiometabolic diseases. However, effects of dried fruits on cardiometabolic health are not well researched. We investigated the effect of daily dried fruit consumption compared with a carbohydrate-rich snack on cardiometabolic disease risk factors in adults with increased cardiometabolic risk. A two-period randomised crossover trial was conducted in adults (n 55) with elevated BMI and at least one additional risk factor for cardiometabolic disease to compare the effects of consuming 3/4 cup/d mixed dried fruits (plums, figs, dates and raisins) or an energy- and carbohydrate-matched control snack for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was LDL-cholesterol; secondary outcomes included other lipids and lipoproteins, glucose and insulin, C-reactive protein, blood pressure and vascular stiffness. Linear mixed models were used for data analysis. Lipid and lipoprotein concentrations did not differ between conditions; however, dried fruit increased LDL-cholesterol (0·10 mmol/l, 95 % CI 0·01, 0·20) compared with baseline. Compared with the control, dried fruit increased mean fasting glucose (0·08 mmol/l, 95 % CI 0·005, 0·16; P = 0·038). Vascular outcomes, fasting insulin and C-reactive protein did not differ between conditions. Mean weight changes did not differ (P = 0·55) but tended to increase after both conditions (dried fruit 0·3 kg, 95 % CI -0·09, 0·65; control 0·4 kg, 95 % CI 0·01, 0·75). Thus, short-term daily consumption of a large portion of mixed dried plums, figs, dates and raisins, without structured dietary guidance, did not improve cardiometabolic risk factors, compared with carbohydrate-rich snacks, in adults with increased baseline cardiometabolic risk.

Is it scientifically justifiable to exclude wine and/or unfermented grape derivatives from the diet of consumers with or at risk of developing type-2 diabetes?

This narrative review investigates whether low/moderate consumption of wine/grape's derivatives can be part of T2D individuals daily diet.

Is Eating Raisins Healthy?

Raisins are dried grapes consumed worldwide that contain beneficial components for human health. They are rich in fiber and phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds. Despite a 60% sugar content, several studies have reported health-promoting properties for raisins and this review compiles the intervention studies, as well as the cell line and animal model studies carried out to date. It has been demonstrated that raisins possess a low-to-moderate glycemic index, which makes them a healthy snack. They seem to contribute to a better diet quality and may reduce appetite. Their antioxidant capacity has been correlated to the phenolic content and this may be involved in the improvement of cardiovascular health. In addition, raisins maintain a good oral health due to their antibacterial activity, low adherence to teeth and an optimum oral pH. Raisin consumption also seems to be favorable for colon function, although more studies should be done to conclude this benefit. Moreover, gut microbiota could be affected by the prebiotic content of raisins. Cell line and animal model studies show other potential benefits in specific diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease. However, deeper research is required and future intervention studies with humans are needed. Overall, incorporating an 80-90 g portion of raisins (half a cup) into the daily diet may be favorable for human health.

Modeling the rheological properties of currant paste as a function of plasticizers concentration, storage temperature and time and process temperature

The steady and dynamic shear rheological properties of currant paste samples as a function of storage temperature (15, 25 and 35 °C) and time (180 days) and plasticizers content (water and/or glycerol) have been evaluated. Apparent viscosity (η_a) has been found to be significantly increased with prolonged storage, implying possible structural changes, and decreased with the increase in storage temperature and the addition of water or/and glycerol. Flow behavior index and consistency index were determined by fitting the resulting experimental data to a power law equation with high values of correlation coefficients (R² ≥ 0.912). Furthermore, the combined effect of storage temperature, time and plasticizers concentration on the apparent viscosity was described adequately by a proposed empirical model, with low standard relative errors (SRE ≤ 0.011). Additionally, the viscoelastic properties were significantly affected by all evaluated parameters in the same way as in apparent viscosity while both moduli (G' and G″) were modeled sufficiently (R² ≥ 0.884) as power functions of oscillatory frequency. The heat treatment (heating from 25 to 100 °C and cooling back with a rate of 10 °C/min) applied has proved sufficient to reverse the observed storage effects. Moreover, the modified Cox-Merz rule was satisfactorily applied to describe the correlation between the apparent viscosity and the complex viscosity.

Effect of dried fruit on postprandial glycemia: a randomized acute-feeding trial

Background/Objectives

To investigate the effect of dried fruit in modifying postprandial glycemia, we assessed the ability of 4 dried fruits (dates, apricots, raisins, sultanas) to decrease postprandial glycemia through three mechanisms: a glycemic index (GI) effect, displacement effect, or ‘catalytic’ fructose effect.

Subjects/Methods

We conducted an acute randomized, multiple-crossover trial in an outpatient setting in 10 healthy adults. Participants received 3 white bread control meals and 12 dried fruit test meals in random order. The test meals included each of 4 dried fruits (dates, apricots, raisins, sultanas) alone (GI effect), 4 of the dried fruits displacing half the available carbohydrate in white bread (displacement effect), or 4 of the dried fruits providing a small ‘catalytic’ dose (7.5 g) of fructose added to white bread (‘catalytic’ fructose effect). The protocol followed the ISO method for the determination of GI (ISO 26642:2010). The primary outcome was mean ± SEM GI (glucose scale) for ease of comparison across the three mechanisms.

Results

Ten healthy participants (7 men, 3 women; mean ± SD age and BMI: 39 ± 12 years and 25 ± 2 kg/m²) were recruited and completed the trial. All dried fruit had a GI below that of white bread (GI = 71); however, only dried apricots (GI = 42 ± 5), raisins (GI = 55 ± 5), and sultanas (51 ± 4) showed a significant GI effect (P < 0.05). When displacing half the available carbohydrate in white bread, all dried fruit lowered the GI; however, only dried apricots (GI = 57 ± 5) showed a significant displacement effect (P = 0.025). None of the dried fruits showed a beneficial ‘catalytic’ fructose effect.

Conclusions

In conclusion, dried fruits have a lower GI and reduce the glycemic response of white bread through displacement of half of the available carbohydrate. Longer-term randomized trials are needed to confirm whether dried fruit can contribute to sustainable improvements in glycemic control.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02960373

Association of raisin and raisin-containing food consumption with nutrient intake and diet quality in US children: NHANES 2001-2012

BACKGROUND

Raisins are a commonly consumed dried fruit and given their nutrient profile may offer nutritional and health benefits.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between consumption of raisins and raisin-containing foods with nutrient intake and dietary quality in children.

METHODS

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data for 2001-2012 in those 2-18 years of age (n = 20,175) were used. Consumers of raisins (n = 154, 51.6% female) and raisin-containing foods (n = 1,993, 52.5% female) were defined as reporting any consumption of raisins and raisin-containing foods, respectively, during the first 24-hr diet recall. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2010. Regression analyses were conducted comparing consumers and nonconsumers using appropriate sample weights and adjusted for demographic and lifestyle covariates with significance set at p < 0.01.

RESULTS

Regarding "nutrients of public health concern/shortfall nutrients" and "nutrients to limit," raisin consumers had higher intakes of dietary fiber (23%), potassium (16%), magnesium (12%) with lower intakes of added sugars (-19%) than nonconsumers. Similarly, consumers of raisin-containing foods also had higher intakes of dietary fiber (15%), potassium (5%), magnesium (11%), iron (6%), vitamin A (10%), and vitamin E (13%) and lower intake of sodium (-5%). Consumers of raisin and raisin-containing foods had higher intakes of fruits (60%, 16%, respectively), whole fruits (119%, 23%, respectively) and whole grains (44%, 93%, respectively) and had a better diet quality as per higher total HEI 2010 scores (22%, 8%, respectively) than nonconsumers.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, consumption of raisins or raisin-containing foods was associated with better nutrient intake and diet quality in American children.

The effect of pre-exercise ingestion of corinthian currant on endurance performance and blood redox status

The present study investigated the effect of Corinthian currant pre-exercise supplementation on metabolism, performance and blood redox status during, and after prolonged exercise. Eleven healthy participants (21-45y) performed a 90-min constant-intensity (60-70% VO_2max) submaximal-trial, plus a time-trial (TT) to exhaustion (95% VO_2max) after consuming an isocaloric (1.5g CHO/kg BM) amount of randomly assigned Corinthian currant or glucose-drink, or water (control). Blood was drawn at baseline, pre-exercise, 30min, 60min, 90min of submaximal-trial, post-TT, and 1h post-TT. Post-ingestion blood glucose (GLU) under Corinthian currant was higher compared with water, and similar compared with glucose-drink throughout the study. Respiratory quotient under Corinthian currant was similar with glucose-drink and higher than water throughout the submaximal trial. Accordingly, higher CHO and lower fat oxidation were observed under Corinthian currant compared with water. The TT performance was similar between Corinthian currant, glucose-drink and water. Redox status were similar under all three conditions. Reduced glutathione (GSH) declined while total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and uric acid increased during exercise. GSH and TAC returned to baseline, while uric acid remained increased the following 1h. Corinthian currant, although did not alter exercise-mediated redox status changes and performance, was equally effective to a glucose-drink in maintaining GLU levels during prolonged cycling.

Association of raisin consumption with nutrient intake, diet quality, and health risk factors in US adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2012

Raisins are one of the most commonly consumed dried fruits. Because of their unique nutrient profile, raisins may have some distinctive health benefits. The purpose of this study was to examine the cross-sectional association between raisin consumption and nutrient intake, dietary quality, body weight, and metabolic syndrome risk factors in adults. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2001–2012 (n = 29,684) were used. Raisin consumers (n = 458, 60% female) were defined as those having any amount of raisins during the first 24 h dietary recall. Diet quality was calculated using the Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010). Covariate (demographic and lifestyle)-adjusted regression analyses were conducted using appropriate sample weights and significance was set at p < 0.01. Raisin consumers had higher intakes of energy (9%); higher intakes of ‘nutrients of public health concern/shortfall nutrients’, such as dietary fiber (34%), potassium (16%), magnesium (22%), vitamin C (24%), and vitamin E (22%); and lower intakes of ‘nutrients to limit’, such as added sugar (−17%), saturated fat (−15%), and sodium (−10%), than non-consumers. No associations were observed for intakes of calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin D, and folate. Consumers had higher intakes of total fruit (72%), whole fruit (111%), vegetables (22%), and whole grains (109%), and had a higher diet quality, as indicated by 25% higher total HEI-2010 scores than non-consumers. Compared to non-consumers, raisin consumers had a lower body weight (−4.2%), body mass index (−5.2%), and waist circumference (−3.8%), were 39% less likely to be overweight or obese, and had a 54% reduced risk of metabolic syndrome. In conclusion, raisin consumption was associated with better nutrient intake, diet quality, and weight parameters, and with lower risk of being obese and having metabolic syndrome in US adults.

Nuts and Dried Fruits: An Update of Their Beneficial Effects on Type 2 Diabetes

Nuts and dried fruit are essential foods in the Mediterranean diet. Their frequent consumption has been associated with the prevention and/or the management of such metabolic conditions as type 2 diabetes (T2D), metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. Several previous reviews of epidemiological studies and clinical trials have evaluated the associations of nuts and/or dried fruit with various metabolic disorders. However, no reviews have focused on the mechanisms underlying the role of nuts and/or dried fruit in insulin resistance and T2D. This review aims to report nut and dried-fruit nutritional interventions in animals and humans, and to focus on mechanisms that could play a significant role in the prevention and treatment of insulin resistance and T2D.

Some Nutritional Characteristics of Enzymatically Resistant Maltodextrin from Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Starch

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) native starch was treated with pyroconversion and enzymatic hydrolysis to produce a pyrodextrin and an enzyme-resistant maltodextrin. Some nutritional characteristics were quantified for both compounds. Pyroconversion was done using a 160:1 (p/v) starch:HCl ratio, 90 °C temperature and 3 h reaction time. The resulting pyrodextrin contained 46.21% indigestible starch and 78.86% dietary fiber. Thermostable α-amylase (0.01%) was used to hydrolyze the pyrodextrin at 95 °C for 5 min. The resulting resistant maltodextrin contained 24.45% dextrose equivalents, 56.06% indigestible starch and 86.62% dietary fiber. Compared to the cassava native starch, the pyrodextrin exhibited 56% solubility at room temperature and the resistant maltodextrin 100%. The glycemic index value for the resistant maltodextrin was 59% in healthy persons. Its high indigestible starch and dietary fiber contents, as well as its complete solubility, make the resistant maltodextrin a promising ingredient for raising dietary fiber content in a wide range of foods, especially in drinks, dairy products, creams and soups.

Regulation of GIP and Ghrelin in Healthy Subjects Fed on Sun-Dried Raisins: A Pilot Study with a Crossover Trial Design

The comparative effects of glucose and fructose on appetite and specifically on hormones regulating appetite remain controversial, and the role of different types of sugars has not been investigated broadly. To estimate the effect of raisins, a dried fruit rich in fructose, fibers, and phenolics, on hormones involved in the postprandial response. Ten healthy normal-weight subjects received in a crossover design 74 g raisins or 50 g glucose as reference food. Glucose, insulin, and appetite hormones were measured at time 0 and 60, 120, and 180 min after consumption. Glucose and insulin peaked significantly at 60 min in both trials with no difference in two trials. Gastric inhibitory peptide peaked significantly at 60 min in both trials and was found lower in raisin compared to glucose at 60 and 120 min postprandially. Ghrelin was lower in raisin compared to glucose at 120 and at 180 min postingestion. Ghrelin/obestatin ratio was lower at 120 min in raisin compared to glucose. No differences were reported for glucagon-like peptide-1, apelin, and obestatin in either trial. Raisin consumption could be favorable in terms of regulating appetite compared to refined sugars or glucose-based products in normal-weight healthy subjects.

Sun dried Corinthian currant (Vitis Vinifera L., var. Apyrena) simple sugar profile and macronutrient characterization

Corinthian currant simple sugar profile was determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with refractive index detection; the content in other macroconstituents was also assessed. Corinthian currants analyzed were obtained over three consecutive crop years, while the effect of cultivation area altitude was also evaluated. Sugar extraction was optimized with respect to solvent, process, and time. Simple sugar chromatographic analysis was validated for linearity (R²>0.999), limits of detection (6.23-186.66mg/L) and quantification (18.89-565.65mg/L), precision (%RSD<2.67), and recovery (97.99-101.99%). Fructose, glucose, sucrose, maltose, and total sugar content was 32±1%, 32.5±0.6%, 0.40±0.04%, 0.72±0.07% and 66±2%, respectively; moisture, ash, fat, and protein content was 13.8±0.5%, 2.6±0.7%, 0.43±0.06%, and 2.2±0.4%, respectively. Relatively small variations in sugar and other macroconstituent content were detected over the consecutive crops. Cultivation area altitude affected Corinthian currant sugar, fat, and protein content, yet with no remarkable differences.

Glycemic Response to Corn Starch Modified with Cyclodextrin Glycosyltransferase and its Relationship to Physical Properties

Corn starch was modified with cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase) below the gelatinization temperature. The porous granules with or without CGTase hydrolysis products may be used as an alternative to modified corn starches in foods applications. The amount and type of hydrolysis products were determined, containing mainly β-cyclodextrin (CD), which will influence pasting behavior and glycemic response in mice. Irregular surface and small holes were observed by microscopic analysis and differences in pasting properties were observed in the presence of hydrolysis products. Postprandial blood glucose in mice fed gelatinized enzymatically modified starch peaked earlier than their ungelatinized counterparts. However, in ungelatinized enzymatically modified starches, the presence of β- CD may inhibit the orientation of amylases slowing hydrolysis, which may help to maintain lower blood glucose levels. Significant correlations were found between glycemic curves and viscosity pattern of starches.

Postprandial glucose and insulin levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients after consumption of ready-to-eat mixed meals

PURPOSE

To compare the effects of three ready-to-eat mixed meals, with a high fiber content and low glycemic index, on postprandial glycemic and insulinemic response in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

The current study followed a prospective, three-way, cross-over design. Twenty-four patients with T2DM consumed three ready-to-eat mixed meals, i.e., "wild greens pie" (meal 1), "chicken burgers with boiled vegetables" (meal 2) and "vegetable moussaka" (meal 3) and an oral glucose load, all providing 50 g of carbohydrates. Venous blood was collected at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min postprandial. Statistical analyses included repeated measures analysis of variance and calculations of the area under the glucose and insulin curves (AUC) for each one of the test meals and the oral glucose load.

RESULTS

Patients consuming each one of the three mixed meals showed better postprandial glycemic responses compared to the oral glucose load (P < 0.001). Furthermore, patients consuming meal 3 showed a better insulinemic response compared to the oral glucose load and meal 1, after 60 and 120 min postprandial, respectively (P < 0.05). In addition, the increase observed in HOMA-IR values from T0 to T120 was significantly lower for meal 3, compared to the oral glucose load (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The three ready-to-eat mixed meals examined in the present study were found to elicit significantly lower glycemic responses compared to the oral glucose load in diabetic patients. The mixed meals examined in the present study could be proposed as effective, palatable and practical solutions for diabetics for glucose control.

The effect of minimal dietary changes with raisins in NAFLD patients with non-significant fibrosis: a randomized controlled intervention

Aiming at investigating the potential effect of minimal dietary changes in NAFLD patients with non-significant fibrosis, 55 patients with NAFLD were enrolled in a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Efficacy and safety of a dieckol-rich extract (AG-dieckol) of brown algae, Ecklonia cava, in pre-diabetic individuals: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

The effects of 12 weeks of supplementation with a dieckol-rich extract (AG-dieckol) from brown algae, Ecklonia cava, on glycemic parameters, serum biochemistry, and hematology were investigated in this study. Eighty pre-diabetic male and female adults were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with parallel-group design. Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups designated as placebo and AG-dieckol (1500 mg per day). Compared with the placebo group, the AG-dieckol group showed a significant decrease in postprandial glucose levels after 12 weeks. The AG-dieckol group also showed a significant decrease in insulin and C-peptide levels after 12 weeks, but there was no significant difference between the AG-dieckol and placebo groups. There were no significant adverse events related to the consumption of AG-dieckol, and biochemical and hematological parameters were maintained within the normal range during the intervention period. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that AG-dieckol supplementation significantly contributes to lowering postprandial hyperglycemia and in reducing insulin resistance. Furthermore, we believe that based on these results the consumption of phlorotannin-rich foods such as marine algae may be useful for the treatment of diabetes.

Raisins compared with other snack effects on glycemia and blood pressure: a randomized, controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare effects of raisin snacks with conventional snacks on glycemia and cardiovascular risk factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 12-week, randomized, controlled trial compared 3-times-a-day consumption of raisins with intake of processed snacks on glycemia and cardiovascular risk factors. Men and women were randomized to snacks (n = 15) or raisins (n = 31). Outcome measures were performed at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Fasting plasma glucose levels were not significantly affected by intake of raisins or snacks. Mean subject post prandial glucose levels were significantly reduced by raisin intake at 12 weeks; changes with raisin intake were -13.1 mg/dL (P = 0.003 vs baseline; P = 0.03 vs snacks). Eating raisins significantly decreased glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level (-0.12%; P = 0.004), a significantly greater level decrease than seen with snack intake (P = 0.036). Snack intake did not significantly affect subject systolic or diastolic blood pressure (BP). Raisin intake was associated with reductions in systolic blood pressure (SBP) at 4, 8, and 12 weeks with mean changes of -6.0 to 10.2 mmHg; all these changes were statistically significant (P = 0.015 to 0.001). Raisins were associated with significantly greater changes in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at 4, 8, and 12 weeks than snacks (P < 0.05). Body weight did not significantly change within or between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Regular consumption of raisins may reduce glycemia and cardiovascular risk factors, including BP rate.

A pilot, randomized controlled trial to examine the health outcomes of raisin consumption in patients with diabetes

OBJECTIVES

Dried fruits, like their fresh homologues, contain relatively high concentrations of antioxidants. The aim of this study was to determine the health outcomes of raisin consumption on patients with diabetes.

METHODS

We examined the effects of dried grapes (Vitis vinifera) cultivated in Greece, namely Corinthian Raisins (CR) on blood pressure, fasting glucose, glucated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid peroxidation, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, antioxidant status, and cytokines in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Forty-eight well-controlled patients with T2DM from the diabetes outpatient clinic of our hospital were recruited to a two-armed, randomized, controlled, 24-wk prospective intervention trial in order to examine the health outcomes of CR consumption. All participants were reported to consume less fruits and vegetables than the recommended amount of five servings daily. Participants in the intervention were instructed to consume CR equal to two fruit servings (36 g/d), replacing snacks with similar energy density twice during the day. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, assessment of dietary intake, and fasting blood draws were conducted at baseline and at week 24. Also, phenolic compounds present in CR were analyzed in plasma of the patients. t Test for parametric data and Mann-Whitney test or Wilcoxon test for non-parametric data were performed. Significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

Body weight, glycemic control, and lipid profile were not affected in either arm. Patients in the CR arm reduced their diastolic blood pressure and increased their total antioxidant potential significantly compared with baseline. The differences between the two groups at week 24 were significant. No change in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was observed. A significant difference in plasma circulating p-hydroxybenzoic acid was observed between groups at the end of the trial.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that naturally CR may improve health features in patients with well-controlled T2DM.