title: Low-carbohydrate diets, con: the mythical phoenix or credible science?
abstract: Low-carbohydrate diets are based on an alternative theory of obesity where dietary carbohydrate, particularly unprocessed sugars, causes hyperinsulinemia, leading to insulin resistance, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. In this model, carbohydrate is viewed as a "metabolic poison" and therefore is limited in the diet. This article systematically reviews and refutes the 6 major physiologic claims made by proponents of low-carbohydrate diets. Any benefits or advantages resulting from these diets must therefore be derived from factors other than those stated by the alternative theory.
authors.affiliation: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Wellness Institute, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA. rkushner@nmh.org
authors.forename: Robert F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Kushner
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D050260:Carbohydrate Metabolism; D050528:Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism; D002149:Energy Intake; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy*; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D007328:Insulin