Low-carb diet and the gut

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Low-carb diet 'cancer risk' claim

Low-carbohydrate diets may increase the risk of people suffering bowel

cancer, scientists have claimed.

Researchers from Aberdeen's Rowett Research Institute believe there is

a link between eating less carbohydrate and reducing cancer-fighting

bacteria.

The Rowett study saw 19 overweight men given three diets containing

different levels of carbohydrate.

Low-carbohydrate diets, such as Atkins, have their critics, however

supporters say studies have shown effectiveness.

In the long run, it is possible that such diets could contribute to

colorectal cancer

Prof Harry Flint Rowett Research Institute

The researchers said they had discovered a link between consuming

carbohydrate and the production of a fatty acid in the gut that

protects against colorectal cancer.

The acid, called butyrate, is produced by bacteria and helps kill off

cancerous cells.

The researchers said they found low-carbohydrate regimes could cause a

four-fold reduction in the cancer-fighting bacteria.

The diets start by reducing carbohydrate intake, including foods such

as potatoes and bread.

The researchers said the danger comes if dieters are tempted to keep

the level low.

'Preventable disease'

They said the study showed a low carbohydrate group consuming only 24g

a day - behind the high intake group at 400g - saw a four-fold drop in

the level of the cancer-fighting bacteria.

Prof Harry Flint, who led the research, said: " In the long run, it is

possible that such diets could contribute to colorectal cancer.

" It is a preventable disease, and there is evidence that poor diet can

increase your risk. "

He said it was likely the results would be the same in women.

Professor Annie , Dundee-based nutritional adviser to Bowel

Cancer UK, said: " Compared to other low fat diets, there is little

merit in low carbohydrate diets, apart for the fact that that they can

help people to lose weight.

" There are no long term benefits to cutting down on fruits and fibre,

for example, in bread, and as this report shows, doing so is likely to

have a negative impact on your bowel health and may increase your risk

of bowel cancer. "

Story from BBC NEWS:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/north_east/6764169.stm

Published: 2007/06/18 17:06:21 GMT

Full text study: Reduced Dietary Intake of Carbohydrates by Obese

Subjects Results in Decreased Concentrations of Butyrate and

Butyrate-Producing Bacteria in Feces

http://aem.asm.org/cgi/content/full/73/4/1073?view=long & pmid=17189447