Benefits And Risks Of A Low Carb Diet

Low-carbohydrate diets are popular, but they may not be the right choice for you. These diets, called "keto diets," "ketogenic diets" or simply "high protein diets" rely on ketosis. Ketosis is a condition in which the body burns fat instead of glucose for energy and does not fully break down the fat that a person consumes. These diets have many risks and only a few limited benefits.

Heart Problems

Some low carb diets, including the Atkins diet, have drawn sharp criticism from the American Medical Association. The AMA's statement, "A Critique of Low-Carbohydrate Ketogenic Weight Reduction Regimens: A Review of Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution," was published in its entirety on the website Atkins Exposed. In it, the AMA expresses deep concern that any diet that allows unlimited consumption of foods rich in saturated fats cholesterol may increase the risk of coronary heart disease.

Flawed Science

The AMA believes that low-carb diets are based on at least partially flawed science. For example, a key tenet of Atkins-style, low-carbohydrate diets is that carbohydrates are responsible for weight gain. The AMA refutes this by stating that fats, which low-carb diets do not restrict, are the most concentrated source of calories. The AMA also points out that in countries whose populations consume more carbohydrates than Americans, obesity is less common than it is in the United States.

Inadequate Nutrition and Illness

Low-carb diets may not provide all of the nutrients you need, and could make you sick. The Mayo Clinic echo's the AMA's concern about the potential heart risks of low-carbohydrate diets. The clinic is also concerned that those who follow diets requiring them to limit fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may not consume adequate fiber. The Clinic also reports that some people who follow a low-carb diet experience weakness, nausea or irritability as their bodies go into ketosis.

Dangers to Breastfed Infants

Low-carbohydrate diets may pose special risks to the children of women who are breastfeeding. According to the La Leche League, the ketones produced by low-carbohydrate diets are toxic and may pose a risk to a breastfeeding infant. The League states that it is currently unknown whether ketones are present in breast milk, or what levels are safe for an infant to consume. It is worth noting, according to the League, that even the Atkins website encourages breastfeeding women to increase consumption of carbohydrates.

Epilepsy Control

Even though low-carbohydrate diets are generally not recommended for weight loss, they have shown some promise in treating children with epilepsy. The Epilepsy Foundation records that ketonic diets have been shown to reduce seizure frequency in two out of three children whose condition could not be controlled by other methods. However, the foundation cautions that using ketonic diet for this purpose requires strict oversight by trained medical professionals and is not something that parents should attempt on their own.