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Low–Carbohydrate Diets Health Advisory: Nutrient Analysis of Atkins Sample Diets

 

Atkins Induction

Atkins Weight Loss

Atkins Maintenance

Energy, kcal

1759

1505

2173

Protein, g (% energy)

143 (33%)

120 (32%)

135 (25%)

Carbohydrate, g (% energy)

15 (3%)

36 (10%)

116 (22%)

Fat, g (% energy)

125 (64%)

97 (58%)

110 (45%)

Alcohol, g (% energy)

0

0

26 (8%)

Saturated fat, g

42

45

38

Cholesterol, mg

886

885

834

Fiber, g

2

7

18

Calcium, mg (% DV)

373 (37%)

952 (95%)

1019 (102%)

Iron, mg (% DV)

15 (86%)

10 (54%)

13 (70%)

Vitamin C (% DV)

20 (33%)

140 (234%)

242 (404%)

Vitamin A, RE (% DV)

799 (80%)

1525 (153%)

2521 (252%)

Folate, µg (% DV)

143 (36%)

268 (67%)

584 (146%)

Vitamin B12, 5g (% DV)

11 (191%)

8 (132%)

5 (80%)

Thiamin, mg (% DV)

0.7 (48%)

1.1 (76%)

1.0 (64%)

*% Daily values are based on a 2000–kcal diet deriving 30% of total energy from fat (10% each from saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats), and 15% total energy from protein.

In addition to having very high protein content and low carbohydrate content, the menus at all three stages are very high in saturated fat and cholesterol. The menus are also low in fiber. In addition, these sample menus do not reach Daily Values for calcium and iron. The Induction menu does not meet the Daily Values for vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, and thiamin. The Weight Loss menu is low on folate and thiamin.

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