International tables of glycemic index and glycemic load values: 2008

Abstract

Objective: To systematically tabulate published and unpublished sources of reliable GI values.

Research Design and Methods: A literature search identified 205 articles published between 1981 and 2007. Unpublished data were also included where the data quality could be verified. The data were separated into 2 lists, the first representing more precise data derived from testing healthy subjects, and the second primarily from individuals with impaired glucose metabolism.

Results: The tables list the GI of over 2,480 individual food items. Dairy products, legumes and fruits were found to be low GI. Breads, breakfast cereals and rice, including wholegrain, were available in both high and low GI versions. The correlation coefficient for 20 staple foods tested in both healthy and diabetic subjects was r = 0.94 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: These tables improve the quality and quantity of GI data available for research and clinical practice.