Adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is associated with lower visceral and hepatic lipid content in recent-onset type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

AIM: To investigate the associations of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score with subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) adipose tissue volume and hepatic lipid content (HLC) in people with diabetes and to examine whether changes in the DASH diet were associated with changes in these outcomes. METHODS: In total, 335 participants with recent-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) from the German Diabetes Study were included in the cross-sectional analysis, and 111 participants in the analysis of changes during the 5-year follow-up. Associations between the DASH score and VAT, SAT and HLC and their changes were investigated using multivariable linear regression models by diabetes type. The proportion mediated by changes in potential mediators was determined using mediation analysis. RESULTS: A higher baseline DASH score was associated with lower HLC, especially in people with T2D (per 5 points: -1.5% [-2.7%; -0.3%]). Over 5 years, a 5-point increase in the DASH score was associated with decreased VAT in people with T2D (-514 [-800; -228] cm3). Similar, but imprecise, associations were observed for VAT changes in people with T1D (-403 [-861; 55] cm3) and for HLC in people with T2D (-1.3% [-2.8%; 0.3%]). Body mass index and waist circumference changes explained 8%-48% of the associations between DASH and VAT changes in both groups. In people with T2D, adipose tissue insulin resistance index (Adipo-IR) changes explained 47% of the association between DASH and HLC changes. CONCLUSIONS: A shift to a DASH-like diet was associated with favourable VAT and HLC changes, which were partly explained by changes in anthropometric measures and Adipo-IR.

Glycemic response to meals with a high glycemic index differs between morning and evening: a randomized cross-over controlled trial among students with early or late chronotype.

PURPOSE: Glycemic response to the same meal depends on daytime and alignment of consumption with the inner clock, which has not been examined by individual chronotype yet. This study examined whether the 2-h postprandial and 24-h glycemic response to a meal with high glycemic index (GI) differ when consumed early or late in the day among students with early or late chronotype. METHODS: From a screening of 327 students aged 18-25 years, those with early (n = 22) or late (n = 23) chronotype participated in a 7-day randomized controlled cross-over intervention study. After a 3-day observational phase, standardized meals were provided on run-in/washout (days 4 and 6) and intervention (days 5 and 7), on which participants received a high GI meal (GI = 72) in the morning (7 a.m.) or in the evening (8 p.m.). All other meals had a medium GI. Continuous glucose monitoring was used to measure 2-h postprandial and 24-h glycemic responses and their variability. RESULTS: Among students with early chronotype 2-h postprandial glucose responses to the high GI meal were higher in the evening than in the morning (iAUC: 234 (± 92) vs. 195 (± 91) (mmol/L) × min, p = 0.042). Likewise, mean and lowest 2-h postprandial glucose values were higher when the high GI meal was consumed in the evening (p < 0.001; p = 0.017). 24-h glycemic responses were similar irrespective of meal time. Participants with late chronotype consuming a high GI meal in the morning or evening showed similar 2-h postprandial (iAUC: 211 (± 110) vs. 207 (± 95) (mmol/L) × min, p = 0.9) and 24-h glycemic responses at both daytimes. CONCLUSIONS: Diurnal differences in response to a high GI meal are confined to those young adults with early chronotype, whilst those with a late chronotype seem vulnerable to both very early and late high GI meals. Registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04298645; 22/01/2020).

Protein intake and cancer: an umbrella review of systematic reviews for the evidence-based guideline of the German Nutrition Society.

PURPOSE: It has been proposed that a higher habitual protein intake may increase cancer risk, possibly via upregulated insulin-like growth factor signalling. Since a systematic evaluation of human studies on protein intake and cancer risk based on a standardised assessment of systematic reviews (SRs) is lacking, we carried out an umbrella review of SRs on protein intake in relation to risks of different types of cancer. METHODS: Following a pre-specified protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42018082395), we retrieved SRs on protein intake and cancer risk published before January 22th 2024, and assessed the methodological quality and outcome-specific certainty of the evidence using a modified version of AMSTAR 2 and NutriGrade, respectively. The overall certainty of evidence was rated according to predefined criteria. RESULTS: Ten SRs were identified, of which eight included meta-analyses. Higher total protein intake was not associated with risks of breast, prostate, colorectal, ovarian, or pancreatic cancer incidence. The methodological quality of the included SRs ranged from critically low (kidney cancer), low (pancreatic, ovarian and prostate cancer) and moderate (breast and prostate cancer) to high (colorectal cancer). The outcome-specific certainty of the evidence underlying the reported findings on protein intake and cancer risk ranged from very low (pancreatic, ovarian and prostate cancer) to low (colorectal, ovarian, prostate, and breast cancer). Animal and plant protein intakes were not associated with cancer risks either at a low (breast and prostate cancer) or very low (pancreatic and prostate cancer) outcome-specific certainty of the evidence. Overall, the evidence for the lack of an association between protein intake and (i) colorectal cancer risk and (ii) breast cancer risk was rated as possible. By contrast, the evidence underlying the other reported results was rated as insufficient. CONCLUSION: The present findings suggest that higher total protein intake may not be associated with the risk of colorectal and breast cancer, while conclusions on protein intake in relation to risks of other types of cancer are restricted due to insufficient evidence.

The acute effect of a ß-glucan-enriched oat bread on gastric emptying, GLP-1 response, and postprandial glycaemia and insulinemia: a randomised crossover trial in healthy adults.

BACKGROUND: The cereal fibre ß-glucan reduces postprandial glycaemia, however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of a ß-glucan-enriched oat bread on gastric emptying half-time (T1/2), gastric emptying lag phase (Tlag), and gastric emptying rate (GER), and the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) as potential means to influence postprandial glycaemia. METHODS: A randomised crossover trial was conducted in 22 healthy adults (age 24.6 ± 3.1 years, BMI 23.1 ± 2.7 kg/m2) receiving 25 g available carbohydrates from a ß-glucan-enriched oat bread or a control whole-wheat bread at two non-consecutive days. T1/2, Tlag, and GER were determined based on ultrasound measures of the cross-sectional gastric antrum area in the fasting state and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min postprandially. Capillary glucose, serum insulin, and plasma GLP-1 concentrations were measured at the same time points. RESULTS: A biphasic pattern of gastric emptying with a distinct Tlag before the commencement of emptying was observed in most subjects for both bread types. While no differences in GER were evident (p = 0.562), consumption of the oat bread significantly increased T1/2 by 18 min and Tlag by 14 min compared with the whole-wheat bread (p = 0.005 and p = 0.010, respectively). In addition, the oat bread significantly reduced iAUC2h for glucose and insulin responses compared with the whole-wheat bread (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in GLP-1 response between the two breads (p = 0.892). CONCLUSION: The increased T1/2 and Tlag could offer a potential mechanism for the observed attenuation of postprandial glycaemia and insulinemia after consumption of the ß-glucan-enriched oat bread compared with the whole-wheat bread. TRIAL REGISTRATION:  The study is registered at clinicaltrails.gov (NCT04571866).

Dietary protein and blood pressure: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and evaluation of the evidence.

INTRODUCTION: This umbrella review aimed to investigate the evidence of an effect of dietary intake of total protein, animal and plant protein on blood pressure (BP), and hypertension (PROSPERO: CRD42018082395). METHODS: PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Database were systematically searched for systematic reviews (SRs) of prospective studies with or without meta-analysis published between 05/2007 and 10/2022. The methodological quality and outcome-specific certainty of evidence were assessed by the AMSTAR 2 and NutriGrade tools, followed by an assessment of the overall certainty of evidence. SRs investigating specific protein sources are described in this review, but not included in the assessment of the overall certainty of evidence. RESULTS: Sixteen SRs were considered eligible for the umbrella review. Ten of the SRs investigated total protein intake, six animal protein, six plant protein and four animal vs. plant protein. The majority of the SRs reported no associations or effects of total, animal and plant protein on BP (all "possible" evidence), whereby the uncertainty regarding the effects on BP was particularly high for plant protein. Two SRs addressing milk-derived protein showed a reduction in BP; in contrast, SRs investigating soy protein found no effect on BP. The outcome-specific certainty of evidence of the SRs was mostly rated as low. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: This umbrella review showed uncertainties whether there are any effects on BP from the intake of total protein, or animal or plant proteins, specifically. Based on data from two SRs with milk protein, it cannot be excluded that certain types of protein could favourably influence BP.

Association of dietary patterns with diabetes-related comorbidities varies among diabetes endotypes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Differences of dietary pattern adherence across the novel diabetes endotypes are unknown. This study assessed adherence to pre-specified dietary patterns and their associations with cardiovascular risk factors, kidney function, and neuropathy among diabetes endotypes. METHODS AND RESULTS: The cross-sectional analysis included 765 individuals with recent-onset (67 %) and prevalent diabetes (33 %) from the German Diabetes Study (GDS) allocated into severe autoimmune diabetes (SAID, 35 %), severe insulin-deficient diabetes (SIDD, 3 %), severe insulin-resistant diabetes (SIRD, 5 %), mild obesity-related diabetes (MOD, 28 %), and mild age-related diabetes (MARD, 29 %). Adherence to a Mediterranean diet score (MDS), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score, overall plant-based diet (PDI), healthful (hPDI) and unhealthful plant-based diet index (uPDI) was derived from a food frequency questionnaire and associated with cardiovascular risk factors, kidney function, and neuropathy using multivariable linear regression analysis. Differences in dietary pattern adherence between endotypes were assessed using generalized mixed models. People with MARD showed the highest, those with SIDD and MOD the lowest adherence to the hPDI. Adherence to the MDS, DASH, overall PDI, and hPDI was inversely associated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) among people with MARD (ß (95%CI): -9.18 % (-15.61; -2.26); -13.61 % (-24.17; -1.58); -19.15 % (-34.28; -0.53); -16.10 % (-28.81; -1.12), respectively). Adherence to the PDIs was associated with LDL cholesterol among people with SAID, SIRD, and MOD. CONCLUSIONS: Minor differences in dietary pattern adherence (in particular for hPDI) and associations with markers of diabetes-related complications (e.g. hsCRP) were observed between endotypes. So far, evidence is insufficient to derive endotype-specific dietary recommendations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01055093.

Nutri-Score 2023 update.

In 2023, the algorithm underlying the Nutri-Score front-of-pack label was updated to better align with food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) across countries engaged in the system. On the basis of a comparison of FBDGs and literature reviews with the current Nutri-Score classification, modification scenarios were developed and tested in nutritional composition databases of branded products in four countries. The updated Nutri-Score nutrient profile model allows a better discrimination between products, in closer alignment with FBDGs, while the updated algorithm adopts a stricter approach for products that are high in components of concern (including non-nutritive sweeteners) and low in favourable dietary components. The updated Nutri-Score algorithm increases the alignment between the front-of-pack label system and FBDGs, strengthening its potential as a complementary public health tool in an international perspective.

Alignment between timing of 'highest caloric intake' and chronotype in relation to body composition during adolescence: the DONALD Study.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to assess alignment in timing of 'highest caloric intake' with individual chronotype and its association with body composition in adolescents. METHODS: We used repeatedly collected data from n = 196 adolescents (age 9-16 years, providing N = 401 yearly questionnaires) of the DONALD open cohort study. Chronotype was assessed by the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire from which midpoint of sleep (MSFsc) was derived. A sex- and age-specific diet-chrono-alignment score (DCAS) was calculated as the difference in hours between the chronotype-specific median timing of highest caloric intake of the studied population and the individual timing of 'highest caloric intake' or vice versa. Repeated-measures regression models were applied to study cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between the DCAS and body composition, e.g., Fat Mass Index (FMI) or Fat Free Mass Index (FFMI). RESULTS: DCAS ranged from -6:42 h to + 8:01 h and was not associated with body composition. Among adolescents with a later chronotype (N = 201) a 1 h increase in DCAS (later consumption of 'highest caloric intake' in comparison to the median intake of that group), increased FFMI by 1.92 kg/m2 (95% CI: 0.15, 3.69, p value = 0.04) over a median follow-up of 0.94 year. CONCLUSION: Alignment of energy intake with individual chronotype appears beneficial for FFMI among those with a late chronotype.

Protein intake and body weight, fat mass and waist circumference: an umbrella review of systematic reviews for the evidence-based guideline on protein intake of the German Nutrition Society.

PURPOSE: This umbrella review aimed to assess whether dietary protein intake with regard to quantitative (higher vs. lower dietary protein intake) and qualitative considerations (total, plant-based or animal-based protein intake) affects body weight (BW), fat mass (FM) and waist circumference (WC). METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for systematic reviews (SRs) with and without meta-analyses of prospective studies published between 04 October 2007 and 04 January 2022. Methodological quality and outcome-specific certainty of evidence of the retrieved SRs were assessed by using AMSTAR 2 and NutriGrade, respectively, in order to rate the overall certainty of evidence using predefined criteria. RESULTS: Thirty-three SRs were included in this umbrella review; 29 were based on randomised controlled trials, a few included cohort studies. In studies without energy restriction, a high-protein diet did not modulate BW, FM and WC in adults in general (all "possible" evidence); for older adults, overall certainty of evidence was "insufficient" for all parameters. Under hypoenergetic diets, a high-protein diet mostly decreased BW and FM, but evidence was "insufficient" due to low methodological quality. Evidence regarding an influence of the protein type on BW, FM and WC was "insufficient". CONCLUSION: "Possible" evidence exists that the amount of protein does not affect BW, FM and WC in adults under isoenergetic conditions. Its impact on the reduction in BW and FM under hypoenergetic conditions remains unclear; evidence for an influence of protein type on BW, FM and WC is "insufficient".

Protein intake and type 2 diabetes mellitus: an umbrella review of systematic reviews for the evidence-based guideline for protein intake of the German Nutrition Society.

PURPOSE: Protein-rich foods show heterogeneous associations with the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and it remains unclear whether habitual protein intake is related to T2D risk. We carried out an umbrella review of systematic reviews (SR) of randomised trials and/or cohort studies on protein intake in relation to risks of T2D. METHODS: Following a pre-specified protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42018082395), we retrieved SRs on protein intake and T2D risk published between July 1st 2009 and May 22nd 2022, and assessed the methodological quality and outcome-specific certainty of the evidence using a modified version of AMSTAR 2 and NutriGrade, respectively. The overall certainty of evidence was rated according to predefined criteria. RESULTS: Eight SRs were identified of which six contained meta-analyses. The majority of SRs on total protein intake had moderate or high methodological quality and moderate outcome-specific certainty of evidence according to NutriGrade, however, the latter was low for the majority of SRs on animal and plant protein. Six of the eight SRs reported risk increases with both total and animal protein. According to one SR, total protein intake in studies was ~ 21 energy percentage (%E) in the highest intake category and 15%E in the lowest intake category. Relative Risks comparing high versus low intake in most recent SRs ranged from 1.09 (two SRs, 95% CIs 1.02-1.15 and 1.06-1.13) to 1.11 (1.05-1.16) for total protein (between 8 and 12 cohort studies included) and from 1.13 (1.08-1.19) to 1.19 (two SRs, 1.11-1.28 and 1.11-1.28) (8-9 cohort studies) for animal protein. However, SRs on RCTs examining major glycaemic traits (HbA1c, fasting glucose, fasting insulin) do not support a clear biological link with T2D risk. For plant protein, some recent SRs pointed towards risk decreases and non-linear associations, however, the majority did not support an association with T2D risk. CONCLUSION: Higher total protein intake was possibly associated with higher T2D risk, while there is insufficient evidence for a risk increase with higher intakes of animal protein and a risk decrease with plant protein intake. Given that most SRs on plant protein did not indicate an association, there is possibly a lack of an effect.

Perspective: A Conceptual Framework for Adaptive Personalized Nutrition Advice Systems (APNASs).

Nearly all approaches to personalized nutrition (PN) use information such as the gene variants of individuals to deliver advice that is more beneficial than a generic "1-size-fits-all" recommendation. Despite great enthusiasm and the increased availability of commercial services, thus far, scientific studies have only revealed small to negligible effects on the efficacy and effectiveness of personalized dietary recommendations, even when using genetic or other individual information. In addition, from a public health perspective, scholars are critical of PN because it primarily targets socially privileged groups rather than the general population, thereby potentially widening health inequality. Therefore, in this perspective, we propose to extend current PN approaches by creating adaptive personalized nutrition advice systems (APNASs) that are tailored to the type and timing of personalized advice for individual needs, capacities, and receptivity in real-life food environments. These systems encompass a broadening of current PN goals (i.e., what should be achieved) to incorporate "individual goal preferences" beyond currently advocated biomedical targets (e.g., making sustainable food choices). Moreover, they cover the "personalization processes of behavior change" by providing in situ, "just-in-time" information in real-life environments (how and when to change), which accounts for individual capacities and constraints (e.g., economic resources). Finally, they are concerned with a "participatory dialog between individuals and experts" (e.g., actual or virtual dieticians, nutritionists, and advisors) when setting goals and deriving measures of adaption. Within this framework, emerging digital nutrition ecosystems enable continuous, real-time monitoring, advice, and support in food environments from exposure to consumption. We present this vision of a novel PN framework along with scenarios and arguments that describe its potential to efficiently address individual and population needs and target groups that would benefit most from its implementation.

Choice architecture interventions promoting sustained healthier food choice and consumption by students in a secondary school setting: a systematic review of intervention studies.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the impact of choice architecture interventions (CAI) on the food choice of healthy adolescents in a secondary school setting. Factors potentially contributing to the effectiveness of CAI types and numbers implemented and its long-term success were examined. DESIGN: PUBMED and Web of Science were systematically searched in October 2021. Publications were included following predefined inclusion criteria and grouped according to the number and duration of implemented interventions. Intervention impact was determined by a systematic description of the reported quantitative changes in food choice and/or consumption. Intervention types were compared with regard to food selection and sustained effects either during or following the intervention. SETTING: CAI on food choice of healthy adolescents in secondary schools. PARTICIPANTS: Not applicable. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included; four randomised controlled trials and five each of controlled or uncontrolled pre-post design, respectively. Four studies implemented a single CAI type, with ten implementing > 1. Three studies investigated CAI effects over the course of a school year either by continuous or repeated data collection, while ten studies' schools were visited on selected days during an intervention. Twelve studies reported desired changes in overall food selection, yet effects were not always significant and appeared less conclusive for longer-term studies. CONCLUSIONS: This review found promising evidence that CAI can be effective in encouraging favourable food choices in healthy adolescents in a secondary school setting. However, further studies designed to evaluate complex interventions are needed.

Work-related stressors and coping behaviors among leaders in small and medium-sized IT and technological services enterprises.

BACKGROUND: Occupational health interventions for leaders are underrepresented in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). When creating and developing effective occupational health interventions, identification of the specific needs of the target group is regarded as an essential step before planning an intervention. Therefore, the aim of this study was (1) to examine the subjectively experienced work-related stressors of leaders in small and medium-sized IT and technological services enterprises, (2) to explore coping behaviors leaders use to deal with the experienced work-related stressors, (3) to investigate resources supporting the coping process and (4) to identify potentially self-perceived consequences resulting from the experienced stressors. METHODS: Ten semi-structured interviews with leaders in small and medium-sized IT and technological services enterprises were conducted. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed with content-structuring qualitative content analysis in accordance to Kuckartz. RESULTS: Leaders in small and medium-sized IT and technological services enterprises experience various stressors caused by work organization as well as industry-related stressors and other work-related stressors. To address the experienced stressors, leaders apply problem focused coping behaviors (e.g. performing changes on structural and personal level), emotional focused coping behaviors (e.g. balancing activities, cognitive restructuring) as well as the utilization of social support. Helpful resources for the coping process include organizational, social and personal resources. As a result of the experienced work-related stressors, interviewees stated to experience different health impairments, negative effects on work quality as well as neglect of leisure activities and lack of time for family and friends. CONCLUSION: The identified experienced work-related stressors, applied coping behaviors, utilized resources and emerging consequences underpin the urgent need for the development and performance of health-oriented leadership interventions for leaders in small and medium- sized IT and technological services. The results of this study can be used when designing a target-oriented intervention for the examined target group.

Effect of a controlled lifestyle intervention on medication use and costs: The Healthy Lifestyle Community Program (cohort 2).

TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register DRKS (www.drks.de; reference: DRKS00018775).

The Effect of Regular Consumption of Reformulated Breads on Glycemic Control: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Bread is a major source of grain-derived carbohydrates worldwide. High intakes of refined grains, low in dietary fiber and high in glycemic index, are linked with increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and other chronic diseases. Hence, improvements in the composition of bread could influence population health. This systematic review evaluated the effect of regular consumption of reformulated breads on glycemic control among healthy adults, adults at cardiometabolic risk or with manifest T2DM. A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Eligible studies employed a bread intervention (≥2 wk) in adults (healthy, at cardiometabolic risk or manifest T2DM) and reported glycemic outcomes (fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, HbA1c, and postprandial glucose responses). Data were pooled using generic inverse variance with random-effects model and presented as mean difference (MD) or standardized MD between treatments with 95% CIs. Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 1037 participants). Compared with "regular" or comparator bread, consumption of reformulated intervention breads yielded lower fasting blood glucose concentrations (MD: -0.21 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.38, -0.03; I2 = 88%, moderate certainty of evidence), yet no differences in fasting insulin (MD: -1.59 pmol/L; 95% CI: -5.78, 2.59; I2 = 38%, moderate certainty of evidence), HOMA-IR (MD: -0.09; 95% CI: -0.35, 0.23; I2 = 60%, moderate certainty of evidence), HbA1c (MD: -0.14; 95% CI: -0.39, 0.10; I2 = 56%, very low certainty of evidence), or postprandial glucose response (SMD: -0.46; 95% CI: -1.28, 0.36; I2 = 74%, low certainty of evidence). Subgroup analyses revealed a beneficial effect for fasting blood glucose only among people with T2DM (low certainty of evidence). Our findings suggest a beneficial effect of reformulated breads high in dietary fiber, whole grains, and/or functional ingredients on fasting blood glucose concentrations in adults, primarily among those with T2DM. This trial was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42020205458.

The association of chronotype and social jet lag with body composition in German students: The role of physical activity behaviour and the impact of the pandemic lockdown.

Young adults with a later chronotype are vulnerable for a discrepancy in sleep rhythm between work- and free days, called social jet lag (SJL). This study analysed (i) chronotype/SJL association with visceral fat/skeletal muscle mass, (ii) the attribution to physical activity behaviour, and (iii) chronotype-specific changes in physical activity behaviour in young adults during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. Chronotype and SJL were derived from the Munich-Chrono-Type-Questionnaire in 320 German students (age 18-25 years) from September 2019 to January 2020, 156 of these participated in an online follow-up survey in June 2020. Body composition was assessed by bioimpedance analysis at baseline. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to relate chronotype/SJL to body composition; the contribution of self-reported physical activity was tested by mediation analysis. At baseline, a later chronotype and a larger SJL were associated with a higher visceral fat mass (P<0.05), this relation was notably mediated by the attention to physical activity (P<0.05). Chronotype (P = 0.02) but not SJL (P = 0.87) was inversely associated with skeletal muscle mass. During the pandemic lockdown, chronotype hardly changed, but SJL was reduced. Timing and physical activity behaviour remained in most participants and changes were unrelated to chronotype (all P>0.07). A later chronotype/higher SJL may increase the risk of a higher visceral fat mass even in this relatively healthy sample, which may be partly due to their physical activity behaviour. Despite a reduction in SJL during the pandemic lockdown, later chronotypes did not change their physical activity behaviour more than earlier chronotypes.

Health relevance of lowering postprandial glycaemia in the paediatric population through diet': results from a multistakeholder workshop.

To summarize current knowledge and gaps regarding the role of postprandial glycaemic response in the paediatric population, a workshop was organized in June 2021 by the European branch of the International Life Science Institute (ILSI). This virtual event comprised of talks given by experts followed by in-depth discussions in breakout sessions with workshop participants. The main pre-specified topics addressed by the workshop organizing committee to the invited speakers and the workshop participants were: (1) the role of glycaemic responses for paediatric health, based on mechanistic insights from animal and human data, and long-term evidence from observational and intervention studies in paediatric populations, and (2) changes in metabolism and changes in dietary needs from infancy to adolescence. Each talk as well as the discussions were summarised, including the main identified research gaps. The workshop led to the consensus on the crucial role on health of postprandial glycaemic response in paediatric population. However, a lack of scientific data has been identified regarding detailed glucose and insulin profiles in response to foods commonly consumed by paediatric populations, as well as a lack of long-term evidence including the need for suitable predictors during childhood and adolescence to anticipate health effects during adulthood.

Sixteen-week multicentre randomised controlled trial to study the effect of the consumption of an oat beta-glucan-enriched bread versus a whole-grain wheat bread on glycaemic control among persons with pre-diabetes: a study protocol of the CarbHealth study.

INTRODUCTION: In 2012, the estimated global prevalence of pre-diabetes was 280 million, and the prevalence is expected to rise to 400 million by 2030. Oat-based foods are a good source of beta-glucans, which have been shown to lower postprandial blood glucose. Studies to evaluate the effectiveness of the long-term intake of beta-glucan-enriched bread as part of a habitual diet among individuals with pre-diabetes are needed. Therefore, we designed a multicentre intervention study in adults with pre-diabetes to investigate the effects of consumption of an oat-derived beta-glucan-enriched bread as part of a normal diet on glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in comparison to consumption of whole-grain wheat bread. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The CarbHealth trial is a multicentre double-blind randomised controlled 16-week dietary intervention trial in participants 40-70 years of age with a body mass index of ≥27 kg/m2 and HbA1c of 35-50 mmol/mol. The study is conducted at four universities located in Norway, Sweden and Germany and uses intervention breads specifically designed for the trial by Nofima AS. The aim is to recruit 250 participants. The primary outcome is the difference in HbA1c between the intervention and the control groups. The main analysis will include intervention group, study centre and baseline HbA1c as independent variables in an analysis of covariance model. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol was approved by respective ethical authorities in participating countries. The results of the study will be communicated through publication in international scientific journals and presentations at (inter)national conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04994327.

Relative validity of a glycemic index extended food-frequency questionnaire.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The dietary glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) are increasingly recognized as important for the prevention and management of diabetes mellitus. To extend the portfolio of assessment methods for large-scale epidemiological studies, we propose a GI-specific addition to an already established FFQ. METHODS AND RESULTS: The German version of the EPIC-FFQ was extended by GI-specific questions for major carbohydrate sources varying notably in GI (breakfast cereals, bread, pasta, rice, potato etc.). We performed relative validation analyses comparing the GI-extended FFQ to three to four 3-day weighted dietary records (3-d WDR) in 100 middle-aged individuals with diabetes mellitus participating in the German Diabetes Study (GDS). Level of agreement between the two methods was assessed by correlation and cross-classification analyses as well as Bland-Altman-Plots, conducted separately for women and men. Spearman correlation analysis for female participants suggested good agreement between the GI-extended FFQ and 3-d WDRs for energy adjusted dietary GL (r = 0.52, p = 0.0004). For both women and men, agreement with the estimations of dietary GI, GL (for men) and carbohydrates from low and higher-GI food sources from the GI-extended FFQ was acceptable (r: 0.28-0.45). Classification of the dietary GI and GL in the opposite quartile was <10% comparing the GI-extended FFQ and 3-d WDR. Bland-Altman plots suggested a tendency for an overestimation of the dietary GI from the GI-extended FFQ in the lower GI-ranges, particularly for men. CONCLUSION: Compared to the 3-d WDR, the GI-extended FFQ showed a moderate to good relative validity for parameters of carbohydrate quality.

Maternal pregnancy weight or gestational weight gain and offspring's blood pressure: A systematic review.

AIMS: An increasing number of studies suggest that maternal weight parameters in pregnancy are associated with offspring's blood pressure (BP). The aim of this systematic review - following the updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement - was to assess and judge the evidence for an association between maternal pregnancy weight/body mass index (BMI) or gestational weight gain (GWG) with offspring's BP in later life. DATA SYNTHESIS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and Web of Science were searched without limits. Risk of bias was assessed using the "US National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute"-tool, and an evidence grade was allocated following the "World Cancer Research Fund" criteria. Of 7,124 publications retrieved, 16 studies (all cohort studies) were included in the systematic review. Overall data from 52,606 participants (0 years [newborns] to 32 years) were enclosed. Association between maternal pregnancy BMI and offspring's BP were analyzed in 2 (both "good-quality" rated) studies, without consistent results. GWG and offspring's BP was analyzed in 14 studies (2 "good-quality", 9 "fair-quality", 3 "poor-quality" rated). Of these, 3 "fair-quality" studies described significant positive results for systolic BP and significant results, but partly with varying directions of effect estimates for diastolic BP. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was analyzed in 1 "poor-quality" congress paper. Overall, based on the small number of "good-quality"-rated studies and the inconsistency of effect direction, no firm conclusion can be drawn. CONCLUSION: Evidence for an association of maternal pregnancy weight determinants with offspring's BP was overall graded as "limited - no conclusion".