Atkins diet

Atkins diet Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph, Copyright © 2009 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

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Related Terms:

	Atkins, Atkins nutritional approach, diet, fad diet, glycemic index, high-fat diet, high-protein diet, ketogenic diet, low-carbohydrate diet, low carb diet, Robert Atkins, South Beach diet®, very low-carbohydrate diet.
	Not included in this review: High-fat diets, high-protein diets, low-carbohydrate diets, ketogenic diet.
	Note: Only clinical trials investigating the effect of the Atkins Diet® itself will be discussed in the evidence section. Although the Atkins Diet® is considered a low-carbohydrate, high-protein, and high-fat diet, clinical trials investigating modification in macronutrients will be used to explain potential mechanism of action of the Atkins Diet®.

	The Atkins Diet® is an eating style that radically departs from the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) food pyramid, which positions carbohydrates as the staple of the American diet. The Atkins Diet® advocates an increased consumption of fats as the primary souce of energy while simultaneously restricting the intake of carbohydrates. This limitation is based on the premise that eating carbohydrates (bread, cereal, potatoes, or pasta) results in the excessive secretion of insulin, potentially resulting in increased fat stores.
	Despite the apparent simplicity of this diet, experts have recently found potential long-term health risks, including type 2 diabetes and kidney impairment. The safety and long-term efficacy of Atkins is a subject of debate in the medical community.
	The Atkins Diet® can be easily confused with South Beach diet because both have an initial two weeks of restricting carbohydrates. However, after this initial phase, they differ in two significant ways. Under the South Beach diet, "good" carbohydrates are not discouraged, and "bad" fats are. The Atkins Diet® does not recommend any carbohydrate consumption.
	The role that the Atkins Diet® may or may not play in alleviating long-term trends of obesity and other metabolism-related conditions requires further investigation. However, short term use of the Atkins Diet® does appear to result in weight loss in clinical trials.
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The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

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Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.