Safety Concerns
Additionally, the research from the University of Pennsylvania suggests that low-carbohydrate diets may not be as harmful as anticipated.
"Larger and longer studies are needed to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of low carbohydrate approaches in the management of obesity.
These preliminary data suggest that weight losses will be comparable to conventional approaches over a 1 year period, but there may be some favorable effects of a low-carbohydrate approach in terms of triglycerides and HDL (good) cholesterol," Foster said.
More Research Needed
In order to further assess long-term safety issues, the National Institutes of Health is funding a five year study of low- and high-carbohydrate diets, for which Dr. Foster and colleagues are currently enrolling participants.
"This larger study of 360 participants will help us more fully assess the benefits and risks of low-carbohydrate diets on bone mass, kidney function, arterial function and exercise tolerance," Foster said.
This study was funded through grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) General Clinical Research Centers at the University of Pennsylvania, Washington University and the University of Colorado.
Others who participated in the study at Penn were Brian McGuckin Ed.M, Research Coordinator; Philippe Szapary, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, and Daniel Rader, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine.
Original Publication Date:
May 26, 2003
Last Updated: November 4, 2005
