New metrics of dietary carbohydrate quality

Abstract

Purpose of review The aim of this study was to introduce novel metrics of dietary carbohydrates quality relevant for products and diets. Recent findings Carbohydrate quality has long been associated with a low glycemic index. More recently, novel metrics of carbohydrate quality featuring variations of total carbohydrates-fibers-free sugars ratios have been applied to carbohydrate-rich foods, including grains, beans, vegetables, and fruit. High scoring products had higher levels of health-promoting nutrients (protein, dietary fiber, iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, selenium, and various B-vitamins) and lower levels of nutrients of public health concern (total sugar, added/free sugars, and fat profile). Cross-sectional studies also found variants of carbohydrate quality metrics to be associated with better markers of cardiometabolic disease, including lower levels of blood triglycerides:high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, and SBP. Summary New ratio-based carbohydrate quality metrics are built around high fiber and whole grain content, combined with a low free sugar content. Such metrics allow the identification of food products of higher overall nutritional quality, and are associated with improved diet quality and certain health outcomes.