Introduction
Assessing the quality of carbohydrates in the diet is now a major public health issue. With the continued rise in metabolic diseases (type 2 diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome), indicators such as the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) play a central role in the nutritional analysis of diets.
However, until now, no national database had made it possible to link these indicators to the actual dietary habits of a population. A publication in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition fills this gap, providing access to a unique GI/GL database built from NHANES data and the international GI table.
In this article, we explore the value of this resource for players in the agri-food and health nutrition sectors, as well as the opportunities it offers in terms of formulation, communication, and regulatory strategy.
Glycemic index and glycemic load: What are the definitions?
The glycemic index (GI) measures the ability of a carbohydrate-containing food to raise blood sugar levels after ingestion, on a scale of 0 to 100. It ranks foods according to their hyperglycemic effect compared to a reference (glucose or white bread).
The glycemic load (GL), on the other hand, takes into account both the GI and the amount of carbohydrates consumed. It provides an estimate of the overall glycemic impact of a food portion or meal.
These two indicators are essential for better understanding the influence of diet on blood sugar regulation, insulin secretion, and, in the long term, the risk of chronic diseases.
A scientific innovation driven by artificial intelligence
The database published in 2024 marks a major advance in the field of nutritional monitoring. By cross-referencing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018 with the international GI/GL table, researchers used artificial intelligence algorithms to match foods consumed with glycemic values.
The result is a robust database covering more than 7,900 food codes, representing 99.9% of the carbohydrate intake of NHANES respondents. It serves as a reference tool for analyzing the carbohydrate quality of diets according to various criteria, including demographic groups, income levels, consumption habits, and changes over time.
Scientific objectification of low GI or CG products
This database now enables nutrition manufacturers to position their products in relation to foods that contribute most to a high glycemic load. It provides a framework for objectively assessing the benefits of a low GI food or ingredient in a typical diet.
For example, a product containing soluble fiber, resistant starch, or a sugar substitute can now be compared to the average GC of products in the same market segment.
Support for nutritional formulation and reformulation
This foundation opens up new possibilities for:
- Replace high GI ingredients
- Reduce the glycemic load per serving
- Enrich formulations with fiber or use sugar alternatives
- Meeting consumers’ growing expectations for blood sugar control
It also allows precise benchmarks to be established in order to optimize the nutritional profile of products under real consumption conditions.
Communication governed by the European regulatory framework
In Europe, health claims relating to blood glucose levels are strictly regulated by Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006. To date, only certain claims are authorized:
- Replacing sugars with sweeteners (e.g., polyols), allowing for a reduction in postprandial glycemic response
- Use of specific fibers (e.g., beta-glucans from oats or barley) in sufficient quantities to reduce glycemic impact.
No direct claims such as “low glycemic index” or “reduced glycemic load” may be made without prior evaluation and validation by EFSA.
How Nutrifizz can support you
As experts in health nutrition, regulatory strategy, and scientific promotion, we offer tailored support to leverage and integrate GI/GC dimensions into your projects:
Scientific review and positioning
- Conducting literature reviews on GI, CG, and their link to metabolic health
- Analysis of NHANES, EFSA, or scientific publication data to position your ingredients within an evidence-based framework
- Drafting of scientific claims or content
Structuring of research projects
- Design of clinical or in vitro study protocols to objectively assess the glycemic effect of a food product
- Selection of partners (CROs, clinical centers, academic experts)
- Promotion of results: publications, conferences, scientific communication materials
Nutritional audit and formulation support
- Critical analysis of ingredient lists and carbohydrate content
- Search for suppliers of low glycemic index ingredients
- Identification of permitted nutrition or health claims
- Regulatory compliance of marketing content (product sheets, white papers)
- Training marketing and sales teams in responsible communication on the subject
Structure your projects around glycemic impact: a strategic opportunity
The publication of this GI/GG database represents a key methodological advance. It provides a solid scientific framework for integrating the concept of carbohydrate quality into the formulation, evaluation, and communication of your products.
Please feel free to contact us to discuss your projects!