Are Low-Carb Diets Healthy?

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The published scientific evidence is most important but the descriptions of the ill effects of low carb diets don’t sound like the voice of experience. We recently ran a clinical study on the effect of low carbohydrate diets on a particular medical condition. Part of the protocol involved a social worker who telephoned patients to encourage and advise them. Although she was in good health and on the thin side, she went on the diet to see what things were like for her patients. If Dr. Rengers has made a serious effort to see what low carbohydrate diets are like (and even to get a lipid profile before and after), then his experience is valuable and he should elaborate. As written, his comments sound like a recitation of the party line.   The low-carber forums (http://forum.lowcarber.org/) has more than 110, 000 members most of whom are happy with it and from our recent survey (available without subscription at http://www.nutritionj.com/content/pdf/1475-2891-5-26.pdf) have generally improved health. There are now numerous diet comparisons and, as in Dr. Gardner's study, the low carb diets generally do better than low fat diets (although, of course, some people are happy with low fat diets). So, Dr. Rengers, have you tried the diet (I mean, given it your best shot) and if so what did you find?