Does following a low carb plan leads to bone loss?
This has been one of the commonly repeated myths that Ive heard for decades about the Atkins plan. The research that is often cited as proof is a series of short-term studies of people consuming a protein powder that showed increased calcium excretion in the urine. But when the study was repeated using meat as the source of protein, researchers found that the increased calcium excretion lasted only two weeks. Apparently, the body adjusts to an increase in protein consumption before returning to a regular state of balance. It is important to understand that Atkins is not an excessively high protein regimen. The macro-nutrient breakout in the Induction phase is 60 percent fat, 30 percent protein and 10 percent carbohydrate. It should more appropriately be called a high fat regimen. As one progresses through the phases, the percentage of fat naturally diminishes as the percentage of healthy carbohydrates increases. Adequate protein is important for strong bones. The long-running Framingha
