Glycemic Response of some Local Nigerian Drinks in Healthy Subjects
Abstract
Objective: This study was designed to determine the postprandial glycemic responses of healthy Nigerian subjects to five traditional drinks as a preliminary to the detailed study of the Nigerian mixed diet and identify drinks suitable for vulnerable groups such as diabetic patients. Subjects and methods: The drinks investigated were oil Palm-Wine, Bottled Raphia wine, ‘Kunu’, ‘Zobo’ drink, and Plantain-Wine. The proximate composition of the drinks were determined and the amounts that will deliver 50g carbohydrate were administered to the subjects after an overnight fast. Sixty healthy subjects were used for the study. Glucose (50g in 300ml) was fed to the control subjects. Glycemic response were calculated after 0, 30, 60, 120, and 180 minutes was calculated. Therefore, glucose response curves were constructed. Results: The results revealed that the Glycemic index GI was lowest for oil palm-wine (11±5). ‘Kunu’ had the highest GI value (63.0±8). Plantain, ‘Zobo’, and Raphia wine had 44.0±13, 33.0±3, and 36.0±4 respectively. Conclusion The local drinks elicit low to moderate postprandial rise of blood glucose in healthy subjects. Palm-wine should be the preferred choice for diabetic patients. These drinks are preferable to fizzy drinks in the Nigerian market.Manuscripts are accepted for publication with the understanding that no substantial part has been, or will be published elsewhere. By submitting a manuscript, the authors agree that the copyright is transferred to the publisher if and when the articles, including reprints, photographic reproduction and translation are published. Copyright owner is the Nutrition Society of Nigeria. An abstract at the beginning of an article may be reproduced without specific permission provided the original citation is provided. Statements made and opinions expressed in letters to the editor, editorials, presidential address, book reviews, and other special articles appearing in this journal are views of the author(s) and do not necessary reflect the position of the journal or the Nutrition Society of Nigeria.