Examining effects of whole grain cereals on weight and metabolic markers in humans

3 month double blinded parallel randomised controlled trial with 2 arms: control (standard grain diet) and intervention (polyphenol-rich grain diet). All subjects are blinded to their control/intervention group status. Both control and intervention arms will attend the clinic at baseline, 1, 2, 3mo for a face-to-face session with an Accredited Practising Dietitian. Duration of sessions are upto 1.5h at baseline and 30-45 minutes for other visits. All subjects receive identical dietary advice, but the intervention group will receive polyphenol-rich cereal products (124.5mg gallic acid equivalents per 60g of cereal per day) and the control group will receive standard cereal products (75.6mg gallic acid equivalents per 60g of cereal). These polyphenols are the natural levels in the processed products. All diets are based on the core food groups outlined in the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. Prescribed energy intakes will be calculated to equate to individuals’ estimated energy requirements using the Schofield equation and applying a physical activity factor of 1.3. Cereals provided were modelled into the dietary prescription to achieve macronutrient intakes of approximately 50% energy from carbohydrates, 20% from protein and 30% from fat. Adherence to diets will be monitored using repeated 3-day food records at midpoint (6 weeks) and at 3 months, as well as through dietary interviews at 1mo, 2mo and 3 mo.