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Glycemic index and pregnancy: a systematic literature review

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posted on 2024-11-14, 21:49 authored by Chun Yu Louie, Jennie C Brand-Miller, Tania P Markovic, Glynis P Ross, Robert MosesRobert Moses
Background/Aim. Dietary glycemic index (GI) has received considerable research interest over the past 25 years although its application to pregnancy outcomes is more recent. This paper critically evaluates the current evidence regarding the effect of dietary GI on maternal and fetal nutrition. Methods. A systematic literature search using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, and ISI Web of Science, from 1980 through September 2010, was conducted. Results. Eight studies were included in the systematic review. Two interventional studies suggest that a low-GI diet can reduce the risk of large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants in healthy pregnancies, but one epidemiological study reported an increase in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants. Evidence in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), though limited (n = 3), consistently supports the advantages of a low-GI diet. Conclusion. There is insufficient evidence to recommend a low-GI diet during normal pregnancy. In pregnancy complicated by GDM, a low-GI diet may reduce the need for insulin without adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes. Until larger-scale intervention trials are completed, a low-GI diet should not replace the current recommended pregnancy diets from government and health agencies. Further research regarding the optimal time to start a low-GI diet for maximum protection against adverse pregnancy outcomes is warranted.

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Citation

Louie, J., Brand-Miller, J. C., Markovic, T. P., Ross, G. P. & Moses, R. G. (2010). Glycemic index and pregnancy: a systematic literature review. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 2010 (Article ID 282464), 1-8.

Journal title

Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism

Volume

2010

Pagination

1-8

Language

English

RIS ID

52891

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