Macromineral enrichment of white bread reduces postprandial glycaemia without altering sensory properties: a...

Metabolism of refined carbohydrates, which are associated with detrimental health effects, is known to be affected by macrominerals including P, Mg and K.

To assess the impact of their addition to flour on the sensory properties of white pita bread and postprandial glycaemia of healthy individuals.

The study was conducted at the American University of Beirut (between February and October 2014). Plain, restored and fortified wheat flour, with macrominerals were used to prepare 3 types of bread: white pita bread (WP), restored white pita bread (WP-R) (premilling levels) and fortified white pita bread (WP-F) (double the premilling levels). Sensory characteristics of bread were assessed and postprandial glycaemia was determined using a single-blinded crossover design whereby participants consumed 1 of the 3 different types of pita bread in random order.

No significant difference (P > 0.05) between the different types of bread was detected using the triangle and acceptability tests, except for texture (P < 0.05). Macromineral enrichment of bread (WP-R and WP-F) significantly reduced postprandial glucose (P = 0.013) and triglyceride (P = 0.001) levels.

Macromineral enrichment of refined carbohydrates may have a promising role in lowering postprandial glucose and triglycerides, and thus decrease their negative health consequences.