Postprandial

Postprandial refers to the period after a meal. The term derives from Latin post (after) and prandium (meal). In nutrition, physiology, and clinical contexts, it describes events and responses that occur after eating.

During the postprandial period, digestion and absorption of nutrients take place. Blood glucose rises as carbohydrates are absorbed; insulin secretion increases to promote uptake of glucose by tissues. Incretin hormones such as GLP-1 and GIP amplify insulin release. Gastric emptying influences the timing of the glucose rise. Lipids from a fat-containing meal enter the bloodstream later, contributing to postprandial lipemia.

Typical timing: blood glucose often peaks about 1 to 2 hours after a meal and returns toward baseline within 2 to 4 hours in people with normal glucose tolerance; triglyceride-rich lipoproteins tend to peak later, around 3 to 4 hours after a meal. In older adults or certain diseases, postprandial blood pressure may fall (postprandial hypotension).

Clinical significance: postprandial responses are used to assess glycemic control and cardiovascular risk. In diabetes management, postprandial hyperglycemia can be a major contributor to overall glucose exposure. Tests include measurements of postprandial glucose or oral glucose tolerance tests, though guidelines vary; the standard OGTT uses a fixed glucose challenge rather than a mixed meal. Diet, meal composition, and physical activity influence postprandial responses.

Related terms: postprandial state, postprandial lipemia, postprandial hypotension.