TABLE 8.

Recommendations for the design of future postprandial studies on vascular function

Recommendations
Subject group	•Adult participants (≥18 y)
Study design	•Randomized •Crossover •Blinded (at least single-blinded, if possible) •Wash-out phase of 1–2 wk
Pre-intervention days	•Avoidance of intense physical activity and alcohol consumption •Overnight fast (last meal ≥10 h before first measurement)
Meal characteristics	•Breakfast •Preparation with natural, commercially available foods (e.g., pasta, bread, plant oils, and dairy products) •Characterized nutrient profile (energy content; total protein, carbohydrates, and fat; SFA, MUFA, and PUFA; dietary fiber; other nutrients, if applicable)
Fat dose	•≥50 g/meal •Given as absolute dose or relative to body mass
Meal consumption	•Consumption within a standardized time period (e.g., 20 min) •Consumption under supervision of study personnel
Standardization before examination of vascular function	•Sufficiently long resting time in supine position (e.g., 10 min) •Rest in a quiet and climatized room •Protocol starting at the same time (an effect of circadian rhythm has been described) •No consumption of coffee or tea on the day of the examination •Standardized intake of vasoactive drugs (e.g., all vasoactive drugs should not be taken the evening before or on the day of the examination)
Measurement of vascular function	•Measurement of FMD (vascular response to hyperemia) or of PVW and AIx (arterial stiffness) •Performed by trained and blinded personnel

Abbreviations: AIx, augmentation index; FMD, flow-mediated dilation; PWV, pulse wave velocity.