Informational note

[Guest guest]

For those who are following a lowcarb diet or who is counting carbs, it is

really important that you know how to read labels and check them for accuracy.

I was recently told that the FDA stipulates that the calorie, fat, protein,

and fiber be accurate but that the carb count doesn't have to be. This means

you will have to figure it out for yourselves.

This is really easy to do if you know the formula. For instance, the

following is the actual Nutritional Facts on one of Dr. Lieberman's

supposedly 'Near Zero " carb bars.

(Chocolate Cheesecake)

Calories: 190

Protein: 15 (x 4 = 60) (4 X each gram)

Fat: 5 (x 9 = 45) (9 X each gram)

Carbs: 3 (x 4 = 12) (4 X each gram)

Total:              = 117  (190 subtract 117 = 73)

By multiplying as shown above and adding the results together, they should

add up to the total calories, which in the case above was 117 calories. There

are 73 calories unaccounted for -- which mean these have 21.25 carbs instead

of the 3 listed. That is almost 8 times the number of carbs from what is

listed in the Nutritional Facts on their label.

One reason they can get away with this discrepancy is because they don't

count some carbs as having an effect on BG levels such as glycerine and, in

the case of Dr. Atkins' bars, polydextrose. (He at least tells you that on

the products unlike most products which don't give you any explanation.)

On a news show not so very long ago, they proved that glycerine *does* have

an effect on our BG and that it should be listed in the carb count on

products, yet nothing has been done about it to date. I know for a fact it

has an effect on mine.

Anyway, just be aware that you will have to figure out for yourselves if the

numbers list on the product reflect the *real* carb count or not. DON'T just

blindly take their word for it.

in Seattle...

PS: Many products list the formula shown above.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for that formula, . I knew the business about manufacturers not

being required to be accurate on label carb counts but not what to do about

it. Even tho I'm math impaired, I think I can handle the below equation...of

course the best way to find out is to eat and test and make good notes. My

first (and most disappointing) experience with faulty carb counts on label

was with Twist, a reall great tasting " lowcarb " chocolate-hazelnut sauce made

with Splenda. Despite the fact that the label indicates hardly any carbs,

even with measuring out the portion carefully, it made my BG go way up. So

now I can find out what the True Count is. Again, thanks! Vicki

In a message dated 01-07-04 20:33:23 EDT, you write:

<<

For those who are following a lowcarb diet or who is counting carbs, it is

really important that you know how to read labels and check them for

accuracy.

I was recently told that the FDA stipulates that the calorie, fat, protein,

and fiber be accurate but that the carb count doesn't have to be. This means

you will have to figure it out for yourselves.

This is really easy to do if you know the formula. For instance, the

following is the actual Nutritional Facts on one of Dr. Lieberman's

supposedly 'Near Zero " carb bars.

(Chocolate Cheesecake)

Calories: 190

Protein: 15 (x 4 = 60) (4 X each gram)

Fat: 5 (x 9 = 45) (9 X each gram)

Carbs: 3 (x 4 = 12) (4 X each gram)

Total:              = 117  (190 subtract 117 = 73)

By multiplying as shown above and adding the results together, they should

add up to the total calories, which in the case above was 117 calories.

There

are 73 calories unaccounted for -- which mean these have 21.25 carbs instead

of the 3 listed. That is almost 8 times the number of carbs from what is

listed in the Nutritional Facts on their label.

O