Publications by authors named "D J Mela"

There is a high level of concern about the possible influence of commercial organizations on food-related research and professional bodies, including regulatory and advisory panels. This has contributed to an increased emphasis on the declaration and management of conflicts of interest (CoI) in the reporting, evaluation, and application of research in nutrition science. However, common perceptions of CoI in nutrition, and procedures for declaring and managing these, often lack intellectual rigor and consistency.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Adding mulberry fruit extract (MFE) to carbohydrate-rich meals can reduce postprandial glucose (PPG) and insulin (PPI) responses in healthy individuals. This pilot study assessed the acute postprandial effects of low doses of MFE in individuals with type 2 diabetes. In a randomized cross-over (within-subjects) design, 24 unmedicated adult males and females with type 2 diabetes (mean [SD] age 51.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

It is widely believed that exposure to sweetened foods and beverages stimulates the liking and desire for sweetness. Here we provide an updated review of the empirical evidence from human research examining whether exposure to sweet foods or beverages influences subsequent general liking for sweetness (‘sweet tooth’), based on the conclusions of existing systematic reviews and more recent research identified from a structured search of literature. Prior reviews have concluded that the evidence for a relationship between sweet taste exposure and measures of sweet taste liking is equivocal, and more recent primary research generally does not support the view that exposure drives increased liking for sweetness, in adults or children.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

We previously reported that the addition of a specified mulberry fruit extract (MFE) to rice consistently reduces post-prandial glycaemic (PPG) and post-prandial insulinemic (PPI) responses. This research tested whether this effect generalises to a broad range of rice types, reflecting the wide variation in rice characteristics known to influence glycaemic responses. In a randomised, balanced, partial factorial crossover design, Sona Masoori (SM), Bora Saul (BS), Gobindobogh (Gb) and Banskati (Bn) rices were tested with and without 0·37 g MFE.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Previous research has shown the efficacy of mulberry extracts for lowering post-prandial glucose (PPG) responses. The postulated mechanism is slowing of glucose absorption, but effects on glucose disposal or endogenous production are also possible. This research assessed the effect of a specified mulberry fruit extract (MFE) on these three glucose flux parameters.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF