Fw: Breaking Medical News: Is the Atkins Diet Linked to Heart and Kidney Problems?

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----- Original Message -----

From: " PCRM Breaking Medical News " <nbarnard@...>

Sent: Thursday, November 27, 2003 12:17 PM

Subject: Breaking Medical News: Is the Atkins Diet Linked to Heart and

Kidney Problems?

> Is the Atkins Diet Linked to Heart and Kidney Problems?

>

> Some people on low-carbohydrate, high-fat, high-protein diets are starting

to complain about heart and kidney problems they believe may be linked to

the diet. In late 2002, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

(publisher of Breaking Medical News) established a Web site

(www.AtkinsDietAlert.org), which cautioned consumers about the high-fat diet

fad and provided a registry for reporting health problems. Of 188

registrants logging in health concerns during the registry's pilot period,

22% had kidney problems (11% stones, 9% reduced kidney function, 2%

infections), while 20% reported heart-related problems, such as heart

attack, heart rhythm abnormalities, or worsening cholesterol levels.

Gallbladder problems were reported by 11%. Gout, osteoporosis, diabetes, and

cancer were also reported. The Southern Medical Journal reported the death

of a 16-year-old girl following the Atkins Diet, and other deaths have

occurred in low-carb dieters, heightening concerns about th

> e diet's potential risks.

>

> The registry data are self-reports only and have been passed along to the

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you know of anyone who

has developed heart or kidney problems while on a low-carbohydrate,

high-protein diet, please refer him or her to www.ArkinsDietAlert.org.

>

> For information about nutrition and health, please visit www.pcrm.org.