Quinoa is more effective than other whole grains in the management of impaired glucose tolerance: a randomized controlled trial.

2025
Food & function 16(2)
- Lu Huang
- Xiaoli Li
- Mingxi Zou
- Hongli Zeng
- Shixin Wu
- Yuchan Liang
- Dongjiang Wang
- Yan Yang
- Zhenyang Qiu
- Quan Zhou

PubMed: 39784492
DOI: 10.1039/d4fo04557b

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Sample size: n = 207
Population: 207 participants diagnosed with IGT
Methods: randomly assigned to the quinoa group (QG; 100 g day-1, replacing about half of the total daily staple food), multiple whole grain group (WGG; 100 g day-1), or control group (CG)
Blinding: Open-label
Duration: one year
Funding: Unclear

Large Human Trial
Rigorous Journal

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of quinoa versus multigrain supplementation on glycemia and lipid metabolism among individuals with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). In total, 207 participants diagnosed with IGT were randomly assigned to the quinoa group (QG; 100 g day^-1, replacing about half of the total daily staple food), multiple whole grain group (WGG; 100 g day^-1), or control group (CG) and followed for one year. Biomarkers were measured before and after the intervention. At the efficacy endpoint, the quinoa group (QG) demonstrated significantly longer time in range (TIR) and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) conversion rate, along with lower rates of 2-hour postprandial glucose (2hPG), fasting insulin (FINS), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), 14-day mean blood glucose (14dMBG), and diabetes mellitus development compared to those of the multigrain and control groups (P < 0.05). Significant improvements in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were also found in both the quinoa and multigrain groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). No significant difference in glycemic variability (CV) was observed between the quinoa and control groups, while a significant difference was observed between the quinoa and multigrain groups (P < 0.05). These results suggest that quinoa consumption is significantly more effective than a multiple whole-grain diet in controlling IGT by reducing postprandial glucose and HbA1c levels, improving insulin resistance, and enhancing lipid profiles, making it a superior dietary choice for managing IGT.

Research Insights

quinoa→Improved Insulin Sensitivity
lower rates of ... homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
100 g day-1, replacing about half of the total daily staple food
quinoa→Improved Normal Glucose Tolerance Conversion Rate
the quinoa group (QG) demonstrated significantly longer time in range (TIR) and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) conversion rate
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
100 g day-1, replacing about half of the total daily staple food
quinoa→Increased Time in Range
the quinoa group (QG) demonstrated significantly longer time in range (TIR) and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) conversion rate, along with lower rates of 2-hour postprandial glucose (2hPG), fasting insulin (FINS), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), 14-day mean blood glucose (14dMBG), and diabetes mellitus development compared to those of the multigrain and control groups (P < 0.05).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
100 g day-1, replacing about half of the total daily staple food
quinoa→Reduced Blood Glucose Level
lower rates of ... 14-day mean blood glucose (14dMBG)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
100 g day-1, replacing about half of the total daily staple food
quinoa→Reduced Diabetes Mellitus Development
lower rates of ... diabetes mellitus development
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
100 g day-1, replacing about half of the total daily staple food
quinoa→Reduced Glycated Hemoglobin Level
Significant improvements in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were also found in both the quinoa and multigrain groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
100 g day-1, replacing about half of the total daily staple food
quinoa→Reduced Glycemic Variability
No significant difference in glycemic variability (CV) was observed between the quinoa and control groups, while a significant difference was observed between the quinoa and multigrain groups (P < 0.05).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
100 g day-1, replacing about half of the total daily staple food
quinoa→Reduced Insulin Levels
lower rates of ... fasting insulin (FINS)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
100 g day-1, replacing about half of the total daily staple food
quinoa→Reduced Postprandial Glucose
along with lower rates of 2-hour postprandial glucose (2hPG)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
100 g day-1, replacing about half of the total daily staple food