Atkins-type diet does not increase bone loss

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A strict low carbohydrate diet did not cause an increased risk of osteoporosis.
One concern about the Atkins diet, which severely restricts carbohydrate intake, is that it might lead to health problems, such as osteoporosis. That's because a high consumption of proteins like meat and eggs to replace carbohydrate calories will alter the body's acid balance. This change could accelerate bone depletion.

A study at the University of South Florida found this not be be so. They looked at 30 overweight patients of whom half consumed less than 20 grams of carbohydrate a day for one month then increased this to a 40 gram limit for the next two months. The other half of the group followed a normal American diet. There was no significant difference in bone loss between the two groups - but the dieters lost significant weight, an average of 14 pounds. It may, however, be that there are more subtle effects on bone health with the low carb approach, which were not detectable in this study. The researchers don't recommend strict low carb diets in the long term because they may affect the kidneys and raise cholesterol.

Source
Osteoporosis International online 24th May 2006

Please take a moment to give us your comments. For questions about Health matters you may check our "Questions & Answers" Portal and Service.