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21 July 2004
New Study Provides Support For Atkins Diet 
High protein diets, such as the Atkins Diet, are attracting their share of critics, among them the American Heart Association, which has stated that the focus on animal proteins cholesterol raises harmful LDL cholesterol levels. But a new study appearing in the American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology suggests that high protein diets may not be as dangerous as some are saying. This study sought to estimate the consequences of a long-term intake of high levels of protein in an obesity-prone rat strain. The results showed that the long-term effect of eating protein at will led to a markedly reduced food intake and lowered white adipose tissue. At the same time, basal blood insulin, leptin and triglyceride levels, and glucose tolerance were improved. Calcium balance was not affected by a high intake of milk proteins. Moreover, in contrast to what has generally been admitted, no adverse effects of the high protein diet were reported, particularly regarding kidney and liver health. After six months of the experiment, the body weight of rats fed the high protein diet was 18 percent lower than that of rats fed the non-protein diet. Body composition measurements revealed remarkable differences between the two groups, especially concerning the subcutaneous fat pad. This study also revealed that the weight reduction in rats fed the high protein diet was strongly associated with lower basal blood sugar and insulin levels, as previously described, and improved glucose tolerance. As the isocaloric exchange between high and low protein diets was performed on carbohydrate, the flattening effect of the high protein diet on insulin and glucose basal levels could be attributed to its reduced carbohydrate content. This contrasts with the results of many studies that have acknowledged the fact that high protein intakes induce an increase in glucose and insulin concentrations. This long-term study found that in male rats, a protein intake of three times the requirements did not produce any adverse effects on the renal and hepatic functions, on oxidative stress or on the calcium balance. On the contrary, exchanging carbohydrates for proteins was beneficial regarding body composition, basal triglycerides, glucose, leptin, and insulin plasma concentrations. This study will not settle the long-standing debate regarding the merits of a high protein diet. However, these findings will provide support to those who advocate such a regimen for weight loss and better health.
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