Balanced carbohydrate ratios are associated with improved diet quality in Australia: A nationally representative cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Carbohydrate quality influences major health outcomes; however, the best criteria to assess carbohydrate quality remain unknown. Objective The objectives were to: i) evaluate whether a diet that meets a carbohydrate ratio (simple, modified or dual ratio) is associated with higher nutrient intakes and diet quality, and ii) model the impact of substituting carbohydrate foods that meet the proposed ratios in place of foods that do not, on nutrient intakes. Design A secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the 2011–12 Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. Participants/Setting National data from participants aged 2 years and older (n = 12,153). Main outcome measures Ratios were defined as (i) simple ratio, 10:1 (10g carbohydrate:≥1g dietary fiber); (ii) modified ratio, 10:1:2 (10g carbohydrate:≥1g dietary fiber:≤2g free sugars); and (iii) dual ratio, 10:1 & 1:2 (10g carbohydrate:≥1g dietary fiber & ≤2g free sugars per 1g dietary fiber).