Associations of Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load with Cardiovascular Disease: Updated Evidence from Meta-analysis and Cohort Studies

AbstractPurpose of ReviewDiet and lifestyle patterns are considered major contributory factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. In particular, consuming a diet higher in carbohydrates (not inclusive of fruits and vegetables, but more processed carbohydrates) has been associated with metabolic abnormalities that subsequently may increase the risk of CVD and related mortality. Glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) are values given to foods based on how fast the body converts carbohydrates into glucose also referred to as the glycemic burden of carbohydrates from foods. Conflicting associations of how high GI and GL influence CVDs have been observed even in high-quality meta-analysis studies. We synthesize and report the associations of high GI and GL with various CVDs by sex, obesity, and geographical locations using an updated review of meta-analysis and observational studies.Recent FindingsWe identified high GI or high GL is associated with an increased risk of CVD events including diabetes (DM), metabolic syndrome (MS), coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and stroke mortality in the general population, and the risk of CVD outcomes appears to be stratified by sex, obesity status, and preexisting CVD. Both high GI and GL are associated with DM and CHD in the general population. However, high GI is strongly associated with DM/MS, while high GL is strongly associated with an increased risk of CHD in females. In addition, high GL is also associated with inci...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research