Comments on: Carbohydrates – more, less or better? Insights from ILSI

By: Bill Shrapnel

Bill Shrapnel — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 19:39:50 +0000

Cameron, here is the study that Professor Noakes referred to in her talk:
Wycherley TP et al. Long-term effects of weight loss with a very low carbohydrate and low fat diet on vascular function in overweight and obese patients. J Intern Med 2010;267:452-61.
Regards, Bill

By: David B. Klein, Ph.D.

David B. Klein, Ph.D. — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 04:30:30 +0000

That’s very interesting!

By: Bill Shrapnel

Bill Shrapnel — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 02:57:48 +0000

More generally, high carbohydrate/low fat diets looked healthy when certain Asian populations were lean and physically active. The implications are different when populations become sedentary, overweight and insulin resistant. Regards, Bill

By: Bill Shrapnel

Bill Shrapnel — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 02:54:11 +0000

Hello Themis. The average carbohydrate intake of adults in Australia is 46%, right at the lower end of the recommended carbohydrate range (45-65%). This suggests that many Australians would be better off eating more carbohydrate. But why? In the context of our diet nutrient density doesn’t vary by carbohydrate intake so there is no advantage there. Carbohydrate quality declines as carbohydrate intake goes up – fibre intake doesn’t change much. Importantly, extra carbohydrate displaces unsaturated fats (including long-chain omega 3) which has negative implications for heart disease risk. Why would you tell people that eating 65% of energy as carbohydrate is a good idea? Personally, I think 40-55% is a better range. When Frank Hu (Harvard) was out here last year he suggested that a lower limit of 35% was OK, though at these levels carbohydrate quality needs to be high to ensure fibre recommendations are met. Regards, Bill

By: David B. Klein, Ph.D.

David B. Klein, Ph.D. — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 02:44:46 +0000

A corollary: Is it an oxymoron to speak of normative dietary recommendations for sedentary people?

By: David B. Klein, Ph.D.

David B. Klein, Ph.D. — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:58:44 +0000

Exercise is another possibly important factor affecting the debate; I’m not sure data that combine sedentary individuals with others doing regular cardio exercise aren’t masking important effects on carbohydrate metabolism. My take on it from personal experience is that one should exercise enough to be able to handle a carbohydrate intake of perhaps 50-55% of total energy without weight gain or blood lipid problems.

By: Themis Pascale

Themis Pascale — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 09:20:39 +0000

Hi Bill,
I found it interesting that you advocate a diet lower in carbohydrate than the recommended range and I am interested to know what percentage of energy you would recommend for carbohydrate, fat and protein intake.
Regards,
Themi

By: Cameron McDonald

Cameron McDonald — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 03:03:31 +0000

Hi Bill, Great article, I would love a few references for low carb intakes and arterial dysfunction..

Thanks again