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Conference Coverage: Nutrition and Metabolic Aspects of Carbohydrate Restriction -- 2006 Nutrition and Metabolism Scientific Sessions
Posted 06/21/2006

Heather Hutchins, MS, RD

Introduction
Carbohydrate-restricted diets remain very controversial in both the medical community and the general public. Much of this confusion stems from inconsistencies in defining "carbohydrate-restricted diet." Many nutrition experts present at this conference believe that the current epidemic of metabolic disorders results from insulin overproduction and that this could be partially due to chronic excessive carbohydrate intake. Thus, a major goal of the conference was to provide a forum for discussion of the implications of carbohydrate restriction. In addition, evidence for implementation of carbohydrate-restricted diets and mechanisms to support carbohydrate restriction were summarized. A complete list of the presenters is outlined in Table 1...

Conclusions
The presentations at the Nutritional and Metabolic Aspects of Carbohydrate Restriction Conference support the metabolic benefits of a lower carbohydrate content of the diet. Although not discussed at the conference, recent data indicates carbohydrate-restricted diets work significantly better in those individuals with existing IR and indicate that the metabolic state of the individual may determine which diet is appropriate for maximum weight loss.48 Identifying genetic markers to target these individuals, and those who may best respond to carbohydrate restricted diets, is emerging from the work of Ruano and colleagues.49

Research suggests that favorable metabolic changes can occur with very low-carbohydrate and/or moderate-carbohydrate restricted diets. Diets involving moderate protein intake can improve glycemic control and blood lipid levels. This suggests that weight loss and metabolic enhancements might be due to the combination of an increased protein intake and restriction of carbohydrate. A diet consisting of 150 g or less of carbohydrate, with 120 g or greater of protein per day is recommended by Layman.50 This moderate diet approach reduces hepatic glucose production and minimizes the excessive secretion of insulin giving rise to improved glycemic control.50 The Women's Health Initiative51 demonstrated that long-term, low-fat diet adherence is difficult for many people. Long-term compliance might improve with higher protein diets that promote satiety, and carbohydrate-restricted diets that improve insulin control. Further research is needed to assess long-term carbohydrate-restricted diet compliance rates as well as long-term alterations in metabolism and enzymatic reactions that occur with carbohydrate-restricted diets.