Effects of Chestnuts on Postprandial Glycaemic Response

Monash University15 enrolled

Overview

Nut consumption is known to improve health outcomes, such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, cognitive impairment, and cardiovascular diseases. While most research has focused on walnuts and almonds, there is limited information on the health benefits of chestnuts. Chestnuts are unique among tree nuts due to their high starch and fibre content, along with vitamins E and C, minerals (potassium, phosphorus, magnesium), and polyphenols. Evidence from in vitro and animal studies suggests that chestnuts may positively affect health by regulating the gut microbiome, lowering the glycaemic index, and providing antioxidant benefits. The food industry is also exploring new uses for chestnuts, particularly in gluten-free products, due to their nutritional benefits and good taste. Nonetheless, no research has investigated the health effects of chestnuts in humans. By addressing this gap in the literature, the study may lead to the development of new dietary strategies for improved health outcomes.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Postprandial Glycemia Insulin Resistance

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 65 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults 18-65 years old * Available to attend two testing sessions at the research facility Exclusion Criteria: * Allergy to nuts and/or gluten, * BMI\<18.5 or ≥30 kg/m2, * Fasting glucose \>5.6 mmol/L, presence of diabetes and/or taking anti-diabetic medication * Serious health conditions that may affect participation e.g. liver or thyroid dysfunction, recent major surgery, * Smoker, * Cardiovascular disease * Pregnant or breastfeeding women * Presence of implanted cardiac defibrillator

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Postprandial blood glucose incremental area under the curve (iAUC)

Difference in postprandial blood glucose iAUC

Time frame: Three hour blood glucose iAUC will be calculated from nine time points (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 mins) after beginning consumption of the test meal.

Postprandial plasma insulin incremental area under the curve (iAUC)

Difference in postprandial plasma insulin iAUC.

Time frame: Three hour insulin iAUC will be calculated from seven time points (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 mins) after beginning consumption of the test meal.

Secondary Outcomes

Postprandial glucose concentration

Difference in postprandial glucose concentration

Time frame: Glucose concentration will be measured at nine time points (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 mins) after beginning consumption of the test meal.

Postprandial insulin concentration

Difference in postprandial insulin concentration

Time frame: Insulin concentration will be measured in finger prick blood samples at seven time points (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 mins) after beginning consumption of the test meal.

Time to peak glucose

Difference in time to peak glucose

Time frame: Three hours