What Deficiencies Come With The South Beach Diet?

Cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatston originally created the South Beach Diet to help lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in his cardiac patients. It aims to stabilize blood levels of insulin and glucose. According to Dr. Agatston, the diet helps your body burn stored fat and protein for energy in the absence of carbohydrates, leading to weight loss. Since carbohydrates are restricted as part of the diet, South Beach Diet followers relinquish the health benefits realized by regular consumption of grain sources and fruit. Before beginning any diet, it is important to first consult your doctor.

Energy

Since your body uses glucose derived from carbohydrates as its primary source of energy, a carbohydrate-restrictive diet can leave you with an energy deficit. The South Beach Diet functions in three phases: the two-week long first phase is carbohydrate-restrictive, limiting carbohydrate consumption to 10 percent of your daily calories. This is when South Beach diet followers feel fatigue the most. The second and third phases loosen this restriction somewhat. Phase 2 allows for 27 percent of daily calories to come from carbohydrate sources, but this still falls below the recommended daily intake of 45 to 65 percent of calories from carbohydrates. Lack of carbohydrate intake necessitates using fat and protein for energy, a process called ketoacidosis. This can lead to sluggishness, dizziness and confusion.

B Vitamins

Whole grain breads, cereals, pastas and rice are good sources of the B complex of vitamins. These vitamins are used for growth, energy production, metabolism and functioning of the nervous system; a B vitamin deficiency can lead to lack of energy and central nervous system disturbances. The first phase of the South Beach Diet is of the greatest concern for vitamin deficiency, since it severely restricts carbohydrates; however, the second, as well as the third, or lifelong phase, do not allow for an adequate daily intake of carbohydrates, either.

Vitamin C

Many fruits, which are limited on the South Beach Diet, are excellent sources of health-boosting vitamin C. This protective vitamin is found in large quantities in citrus, strawberries and cantaloupe. Vitamin C is necessary for the growth and healing of all body tissues, including bones and teeth; it also has antioxidant properties, possibly warding off cancer and heart disease. The daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables is high. The Produce for Better Health Foundation recommends filling half your plate with them at each meal. However, the South Beach Diet does not allow for such a robust intake and as such, vitamin C deficiency is possible.

Fiber

The health benefits of adequate dietary fiber are many including digestive health and prevention of many cancers. Whole grains and fruits are excellent sources of fiber, especially when fruit is consumed with skins intact, when possible. The recommended daily intake of fiber is 32 g per day, according to the National Fiber Council. Since the South Beach Diet limits some of the best sources of fiber, filling this daily need could become difficult.