Paper Summary
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Hold the Fries: French Fry Consumption Linked to Increased Type 2 Diabetes Risk
In three large US cohorts, higher consumption of French fries was associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, while other types of potatoes showed no significant association. Replacing potatoes with whole grains, particularly French fries, was linked to a lower risk of diabetes, suggesting dietary substitutions can play a role in mitigating this risk.
Possible Conflicts of Interest
None identified.
Identified Weaknesses
Limited Generalizability due to Homogeneous Study Population
This study population is not representative of the general population. Generalizing the findings should be done with caution. A more diverse group of participants would increase the external validity of the findings.
Correlation Does Not Equal Causation (Observational Study)
Observational studies cannot prove cause-and-effect, only associations. Other unknown factors may be playing a role.
Potential for Measurement Error in Dietary Assessment
Self-reported dietary intake can be inaccurate, affecting the reliability of the results.
Potential Residual Confounding
Residual confounding could still influence the observed association between potato consumption and diabetes, despite the statistical adjustments.
Lack of Detailed Information on Potato Preparation
The study relies on the food frequency questionnaire to assess potato consumption. This questionnaire did not provide precise details regarding specific preparation methods, potato types, or cooking oils used.
Potential for Reverse Causality
Reverse causality, where undiagnosed diabetes might influence dietary habits before diagnosis, is a possibility and needs to be addressed in future studies.
Rating Explanation
This is a large, long-term study with repeated dietary assessments, strengthening the evidence for the association between French fry consumption and type 2 diabetes risk. The substitution analysis provides valuable insights for dietary recommendations. However, the observational design and potential for residual confounding are limitations.
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File Information
Original Title:
Total and specific potato intake and risk of type 2 diabetes: results from three US cohort studies and a substitution meta-analysis of prospective cohorts
Uploaded:
August 30, 2025 at 02:52 PM
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