Low carbohydrate diets have been associated with effective weight loss. Low carb diets increase HDL-cholesterol and decrease triglyserids more effectively than low fat diet. In this recent cohort study investigators found that plant-based carbohydrate restricted diet was associated with decreased mortality while animal-based carbohydrate diet was associated with increased mortality vs high carbohydrate diet. Fung T et al. Ann Intern Med 2010;153:289-298
A new opportunity to restrict dietary phosphate in renal failure
Restriction of phosphate is necessary in end stage renal failure when serum phosphate levels are above recommendations. Restricting dietary phosphate may lead to inadequate protein and energy intake, and ultimately to undernutrition, because phosphorus is commonly found in foods rich in protein. In this Italian small study end stage kidney patients were put on a diet where part of their daily protein sources were substituted by low-phosphate whey protein supplement. Intake of phosphate decreased by 37 % and serum phosphate levels were also decreased. Guida B et al. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2010; Jul 5 (e-pub ahead of print)
Nuts, fish and poultry: good sources of protein
Heated discussions on carbohydrates and fat keep coming and going. Less is known and talked about protein quality and quantity. This study from Harvard showed that nuts, fish and poultry may be more beneficial than red meat as protein source. Eggs and dairy products were regarded as neutral to coronary heart disease. Bernstein AM et al. Circulation 2010; 122: 876-883