Harmonizing Glycemic Impact Measures Can Improve Food Labeling

Newswise — Washington D.C. — A global review of government and health agencies finds that while there is widespread agreement on most glycemic impact measures used to diagnose diabetes, there are differences that, if addressed, could improve the premarket reviews for food labeling.

The review appears in a recent issue of the journal Public Health Nutrition and summarizes methods used to assess the effect of a meal, food or nutrient on short-term blood glucose levels. One of them, postprandial glucose (PPG) is used by regulators to inform food labeling.

However, there are differences among global agencies and public health associations in how PPG is measured, as well as in the targets to stay below.  Specifically, author Paula Trumbo says there is room for harmonization in whether agencies use “area under the curve” PPG vs. peak PPG in scientific regulatory reviews. As next steps, Trumbo asks stakeholders to consider whether there are certain situations where one is better than the other or when both might be considered. “The application of post-prandial glucose response is relevant particularly within the context of available carbohydrate and certain dietary fibres.”

The paper was supported by the Carbohydrates Committee of the Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences (IAFNS), a science-focused nonprofit uniquely positioned to mobilize industry, government and academia to drive, fund and lead actionable research. IAFNS elevates food safety and nutrition sciences to advance public health. The organization was founded on the belief that collaboration and the inclusion of diverse perspectives is crucial to credible science that benefits the entire food and beverage ecosystem and advances public health. iafns.org