Critical and emerging topics in dietary carbohydrates and health

Abstract

Multiple factors may affect the metabolic fate of carbohydrates. Today, well-standardised and accepted methods may allow for the definitions of the changes in the glucose and insulin curves following the ingestion of either carbohydrate-based and other foods. More debate is still raised on the clinical meaning of these classifications when used at a population level, while emphasis is raised on the approach to carbohydrate metabolism on an individual basis. Within these ranges of applications, other compounds, such as plant polyphenols, may favourably add synergic effects through the modulation of carbohydrate digestion and glucose metabolic steps, resulting in lowering postprandial glucose and insulin levels. Finally, a growing knowledge suggests that the balance of dietary fructose and individual physical activity represent the key point to address the compound towards either positive, energy sparing effects, or a degenerative metabolic burden. The carbohydrate quality within a whole dietary and lifestyle pattern may therefore challenge the individual balance towards health or disease.

Keywords:

• carbohydrate quality
• postprandial glycaemic response
• glycaemic index
• polyphenolic compounds
• fructose

Disclosure statement

MDA and FP declare no conflict of interest. DDR has received speakers fees from Soremartec Italia srl. LT has received research support from Soremartec Italia srl, consulting fees from Millenium Pharmaceuticals USA, and speakers fees from Soremartec Italia srl and Nestlé AG, Switzerland. CA declares speaking fees from Soremartec Italia s.r.l. FB received travel founding from Soremartec Italia srl to attend the Nutrition & Growth Conference in Valencia, March 7–9, 2019.