Title: Dietary Phytochemical Index and the Risk of gallstone disease: A case-control study
Version: 2 Date: 25 Oct 2024
Reviewer:  Yara Mahfouz
Reviewer's report:
This research project is very interesting, given the important role that phytochemicals play in
preventing diseases, including gallstone disease. The introduction is well written and follows a
relevant flow from disease description, causes and factors, reaching the objectives of the study.
The type of the study is a solid choice since it compares cases and controls. The methodology
is well detailed and easily repeatable. The choice of McCarty’s Phytochemical Index relies on
previously published valid data, and the FFQ and IPAQ are validated questionnaires, which
adds to the strength of the study. Some minor comments were given to the methodology section.
Results are in line with the pre-defined objective. However, some suggestions were made to
improve the manuscript results section, such as including more confounding dietary factors, in
addition to other comments. Discussion is well-written, although a clarification should be made
regarding the discussed dietary components (vitamins and minerals) that are not phytochemicals.
Title: Dietary Phytochemical Index and the Risk of gallstone disease: A case-control study
Version: 2 Date: 25 Oct 2024
Reviewer:  Yara Mahfouz
Reviewer's report:
This research project is very interesting, given the important role that phytochemicals play in
preventing diseases, including gallstone disease. The introduction is well written and follows a
relevant flow from disease description, causes and factors, reaching the objectives of the study.
The type of the study is a solid choice since it compares cases and controls. The methodology
is well detailed and easily repeatable. The choice of McCarty’s Phytochemical Index relies on
previously published valid data, and the FFQ and IPAQ are validated questionnaires, which
adds to the strength of the study. Some minor comments were given to the methodology section.
Results are in line with the pre-defined objective. However, some suggestions were made to
improve the manuscript results section, such as including more confounding dietary factors, in
addition to other comments. Discussion is well-written, although a clarification should be made
regarding the discussed dietary components (vitamins and minerals) that are not phytochemicals.
Please review this paper.
user
Title: Dietary Phytochemical Index and the Risk of gallstone disease: A case-control study
Version: 2 Date: 25 Oct 2024
Reviewer:  Yara Mahfouz
Reviewer's report:
This research project is very interesting, given the important role that phytochemicals play in
preventing diseases, including gallstone disease. The introduction is well written and follows a
relevant flow from disease description, causes and factors, reaching the objectives of the study.
The type of the study is a solid choice since it compares cases and controls. The methodology
is well detailed and easily repeatable. The choice of McCarty’s Phytochemical Index relies on
previously published valid data, and the FFQ and IPAQ are validated questionnaires, which
adds to the strength of the study. Some minor comments were given to the methodology section.
Results are in line with the pre-defined objective. However, some suggestions were made to
improve the manuscript results section, such as including more confounding dietary factors, in
addition to other comments. Discussion is well-written, although a clarification should be made
regarding the discussed dietary components (vitamins and minerals) that are not phytochemicals.
assistant