Systematic reviewindependent cross-checkabstract only checked I-GRN-07 standard review
Glycaemic index tables
International tables of glycemic index and glycemic load values 2021: a systematic review.
Overview
Atkinson FS et al.. Am J Clin Nutr 2021 · PMID 34258626 · DOI 10.1093/ajcn/nqab233
Fruits usually have a low GI; most potatoes have a high GI.
Does the study support the specific claim? No · Methodological quality: high
Plain-language summary
Study explained simply
- What did the researchers want to find out?
GI values
- How was the study done?
Tabulation
- How many people, animals or samples were studied?
>4000 foods
- What was actually found?
Fruits low, potatoes high
- What do the results mean in everyday life?
Potatoes raise sugar more than most fruit
- What are the study's limitations?
Abstract only
- What does it say about Elawady's specific claim?
Undermines selective melon ban
- Do the results apply to Germany and Europe?
High
Scientific in-depth review
1. Full reference
- Authors
- Atkinson FS et al.
- Journal
- Am J Clin Nutr
- Year
- 2021
- Identifier
- PMID 34258626 DOI 10.1093/ajcn/nqab233
- Verification
- verified – PubMed efetch 2026-10-25
- Retracted
- no
- Corrections
- none
- Extent checked
- abstract only
- Conflicts of interest and funding
None stated in record.
2. Research question
Reliable GI/GL values of foods
3. Study design and population
- Study design
- Systematic review – Systematic review/tabulation of GI values
- Population
Foods tested
- Country
Global
- Period
to 2021
- Sample size
>4000 items
4. Methods and endpoints
- Exposure / intervention
Foods
- Comparator
Glucose reference
- Endpoints
GI values
- Statistical methods
Tabulation
5. Actual results
- Results
Dairy, legumes, pasta and fruits usually low GI (<=55); cereals including whole-grain versions vary widely; breads, cereals, rice available in high/medium/low GI; most potato varieties high GI.
- Absolute risks
not applicable
- Authors' conclusion
As results.
6. Strengths
- Comprehensive
7. Weaknesses
- Abstract only; food-specific values not extracted
8. Risk of bias
- Orienting tool
- none applicable
- Type of assessment
- simplified assessment (abstract only)
- Full formal assessment
- no
- Overall risk of bias
- not assessable
9. Assessment of the statistical interpretation
10. Relevance to the specific claim
Context: fruits usually low GI, potatoes high GI (C-FRU-01, C-GRN-07).
11. Independent contrary findings
12. Transferability to Germany and Europe
High.
13. Overall methodological judgement
Reference context.
| Multidimensional assessment | |
|---|---|
| Authenticity of the source | verified |
| Methodological quality | high |
| Risk of bias | not assessable |
| Precision of results | not applicable |
| Directness | indirect |
| Reproducibility | replicated |
| Consistency with the overall evidence | consistent |
| Regional transferability | high |
| Adequacy of the interpretation (by the archive) | not applicable |
14. Open questions
Watermelon-specific values (not extracted).
15. Linked fact checks
- Watermelon and melon (cantaloupe) should be avoided; the archive's food page supports this with studies showing that a high dietary glycaemic load raises type 2 diabetes risk. – Studies contradicting or limiting the claim
- Potatoes in all forms are allowed, including fried potatoes and packaged potato chips (crisps). – Studies with mixed or unclear results
- Basmati rice is 'wrong' (in another video: 'not good ... rubbish'); ordinary Egyptian white rice is the rice to eat. – Studies with mixed or unclear results