The Claim

Higher dietary glycemic load, calculated from the glycemic index and carbohydrate content of foods, is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease in middle-aged US women, with those in the highest quintile showing nearly double the risk (relative risk: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.41, 2.77) compared to those in the lowest quintile, after adjusting for age, smoking, total energy intake, and other cardiovascular risk factors.

Source: A prospective study of dietary glycemic load, carbohydrate intake, and risk of coronary heart disease in US women.

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
59score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Correlation
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Women in their 40s to 60s who eat a lot of foods that spike blood sugar quickly—like white bread, sugary snacks, and refined carbs—are more likely to develop heart disease than those who eat fewer of these foods, with the biggest eaters having almost twice the risk.

See the scientific wording

Higher dietary glycemic load, calculated from the glycemic index and carbohydrate content of foods, is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease in middle-aged US women, with those in the highest quintile showing nearly double the risk (relative risk: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.41, 2.77) compared to those in the lowest quintile, after adjusting for age, smoking, total energy intake, and other cardiovascular risk factors.

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: A prospective study of dietary glycemic load, carbohydrate intake, and risk of coronary heart disease in US women.

    This study found that women who ate a lot of foods that quickly raise blood sugar (like white bread and sugary snacks) were almost twice as likely to develop heart disease over 10 years, even after accounting for other risk factors like smoking and weight.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.