The low-carb diet system formally known as the Atkins Nutritional Approach but frequently called the Atkins diet restricts carbohydrate intake to less than 100 g a day during all four phases of the diet, with an even lower carbohydrate limit in the early phases. While this extremely low-carb diet can be effective for weight loss, it can also cause health issues for some people on the diet.
Dietary Fat Risks
The high levels of fat allowed on the Atkins diet can raise your risk of a wide range of diseases. The American Heart Association warns that diets rich in high-protein animal foods, such as the Atkins diet, also typically contain high levels of saturated fat, which can raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and forms of cancer. It is difficult to keep fat intake below the recommended 35 percent of daily calories and saturated fat below the recommended 7 percent of daily calories while on the Atkins diet.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Because the Atkins diet limits the types of food you can eat, you could be at risk for nutrient deficiencies when following this diet. Restricting carbohydrates can lead to low levels of fiber in the diet, which can cause constipation, gastrointestinal pain and an increased risk of digestive tract diseases. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, many people who follow the Atkins diet do not even consume the allowed amount of carbohydrates in each phase but instead concentrate their entire menu on proteins and fats. If you don't eat much fruit while on the diet, you may also become deficient in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C.
Kidney Problems
Individuals with kidney disease should not use the Atkins diet or other low-carb diet plans. The high protein levels in the Atkins diet can put stress on the kidneys that people with pre-existing kidney disease may not be able to tolerate. These types of diets also force the body to burn fat instead of blood glucose for immediate use and can create ketones, compounds that build up in the bloodstream and put extra stress on the kidneys.
Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may also be at risk for health problems from the Atkins diet. The low levels of carbohydrate are insufficient to support proper fetal development. A nursing mother may experience a drop in her milk supply when on the Atkins diet and may also put her baby at risk of ingesting toxins released during fat burning that can get into breast milk.
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