Protocol: The effect of whole-grain dietary intake on non-communicable diseases: A systematic review, multivariate meta-analysis and dose-response of prospective cohorts, cross-sectional, case-control and intervention studies

The proposed protocol is for a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of whole-grains (WG) on non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and obesity. The primary objectives is to explore the mechanisms of WG intake on multiple biomarkers of NCDs such as fasting glucose, fasting insulin and many others. The secondary objective will look at the dose-response relationship between these various mechanisms. The protocol outlines the motive and scope for the review, and methodology including the risk of bias, statistical analysis, screening and study criteria.