A Randomized, Controlled, Cross-over Trial Examining the Effect of Peas on Post-prandial Glucose Response in Healthy Adults

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting Canadians (PHAC, 2011). Lifestyle modifications that include a diet high in fibre may lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (CDA, 2013). In this context, the presence of fibre in carbohydrate rich foods has been widely recognized for its effect on post-prandial glucose response (PPGR). Peas are high in fibre and protein and show great potential as a functional food. A health claim for PPGR would increase market demand for peas, and help those who want to limit the rise in blood sugar after a meal choose products to meet their goals, but there are several gaps in the literature that need to be filled before a submission to Health Canada can be successful: 1) test foods in appropriate serving sizes; 2) test both the glucose and insulin response; 3) test varieties of peas that that currently available on the market; 4) test whole/split peas (not fractions or isolates); 5) compare peas to appropriate starchy reference food (rice or potato). The proposed study design will address all of these gaps in the current literature and take into consideration Health Canada's guidance document for health claims related to the reduction in PPGR, which sets out the criteria by which the validity of such claims will be assessed.

Specific objectives

1. To determine the effect of 3 common market classes of peas on PPGR and insulin response in a cross-over, randomized, controlled clinical trial.
2. To assess the effect of 3 common market classes of peas on appetite-related sensations using visual analog scales.
3. To demonstrate whether the test and reference products were liked or disliked similarly by participants.
4. To assess any gastrointestinal side effects from eating the test products