Low Glycemic Index Diet for Diet Modification
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how young children sense hunger and fullness when eating various meals. Researchers will compare typical childcare center meals with those containing lean meats, which are lower on the glycemic index. This approach increases lean protein intake. It suits families with children aged 2-5 who can eat pork and have no food allergies or conditions like diabetes. As an unphased trial, it offers families a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance children's nutrition and eating habits.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but children taking medication that affects food intake cannot participate.
What prior data suggests that this diet modification is safe for preschoolers?
Research has shown that a diet with a low glycemic index, including foods like lean pork, is generally safe for most people. Studies indicate that consuming lean pork can aid in modest weight and fat loss, benefiting overall health. Other research suggests that this diet can help manage blood sugar levels, improve cholesterol, and lower blood pressure. These findings suggest that this dietary change is well-tolerated and could positively impact health. Few reports of serious side effects indicate it is a safe option for most people.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this low glycemic index diet because it offers a new way to manage blood sugar levels by modifying what we eat, specifically using lean pork in meals and snacks. Unlike typical high glycemic index diets that can spike blood sugar, this approach aims to keep blood sugar steady by focusing on low glycemic foods. The inclusion of lean protein, like pork, not only helps reduce the glycemic impact of meals but may also promote satiety and support weight management, potentially offering a more sustainable and enjoyable dietary change.
What evidence suggests that increasing lean protein intake might be an effective treatment for hunger/satiety recognition in preschoolers?
Research has shown that eating foods with a low glycemic index (GI), such as lean meats, can help manage conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and type 2 diabetes. Studies have found that these diets can lower blood sugar levels. For instance, people with diabetes who followed a low-GI diet for six months had slightly lower HbA1c levels, a measure of blood sugar control. In this trial, participants in the intervention arm will follow a low-GI diet, with meals and snacks made with lean pork to reduce the glycemic index of food consumed. Meanwhile, the control arm will continue with their typically consumed high-GI meals and snacks. Additionally, diets high in protein and low in GI can improve overall diet quality and may help protect against long-term health issues. Although this research focuses on preschoolers, it suggests that a low-GI diet could help manage hunger and maintain steady energy levels.16789
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for parents with children aged 2-5 who eat pork and can communicate in English. It's not for kids with food allergies, diabetes, digestive diseases like Crohn's, or those on meds affecting appetite.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants consume meals and snacks based on either the usual childcare center fare (control) or lean meats (intervention) over 6 study days
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in executive function, blood pressure, and blood glucose after meal consumption
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Increasing Lean Protein Intake
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Sibylle Kranz, PhD, RDN
Lead Sponsor