Effects of whole grain intake on glucagon-like peptide 1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AbstractContextWhole grain intake may control help glycemia and reduce food intake by affecting the secretion of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP).ObjectiveThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the postprandial and long-term effects of whole grains on GLP-1 and GIP levels.Data SourcesPubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus online databases were searched systematically to identify relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published up to April 2021.Study SelectionRCTs that evaluated the effects of whole grains, compared with refined grains, on the postprandial area under the curve (AUC) value, the postprandial serum concentration of incretins from 0 to 180 minutes, or the fasting level of incretins after at least 14 days of intervention were included.ResultsNineteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that acute intake of whole grains could not significantly change the AUC value of GLP-1 or GIP. However, the AUC value of GIP was reduced more significantly in (1) unhealthy participants (standard mean difference [SMD] −1.08; 95%CI, −2.07 to −0.10; I2 = 75.9%) compared with healthy participants, and (2) those with a baseline fasting blood glucose of ≥99 mg/dL (SMD −0.71; 95%CI, −1.30 to −0.11; I2 = 74.4%) compared with those with a baseline value of < 99 mg/dL. On the other hand, the results of time-response evaluation during 0 to 180 minutes after the intake of test meals showed that serum concentrations of GIP decreased significantly from 0 to 30 minutes (coefficient = −44.72; P = 0.005), but increased from 60 to 180 minutes (coefficient = 27.03; P = 0.005). However, long-term studies found no significant effects of whole grains on fasting concentrations of GLP-1 or GIP.ConclusionWhole grain intake did not affect postprandial levels of GLP-1 but enhanced postprandial levels of GIP from 60 to 180 minutes. Further high-quality trials are required to assess the long-term effects of whole grain intake on serum levels of incretins.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO registration no. CRD42021256695.