Beware the Net Carb Trap Frank
Barnhill M.D.
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Beware the Net Carb Trap Frank
Barnhill M.D. |
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The terms “net carbs”, “net effective carbs”, and “impact carbs” are
causing some confusion about how to count carbohydrates for those of us
on any one of a dozen weight loss or diabetic diets. With the growing
popularity of the Atkins Diet, South Beach Diet and other low or
modified carb diets, it’s very important that you understand food
package labeling. Food manufacturers probably initially created these “carb” terms so they could be used as sales marketing on the labels of “low carbohydrate” protein nutrition bars. With the current explosion of interest in low carbohydrate diets, unfortunately, this labeling use has expanded to hundreds of other foods and may lead you to believe you are consuming fewer carbs than you actually are. Here is the “skinny” on “net Carbs”: Some products replace natural carbs with more protein, higher fat content, fiber, or alternate carbs such as polyols and sugar alcohols. Since most sugar alcohols are only partly absorbed, manufacturers may advise you to ignore these ingredients and treat them as if they are not absorbed. In reality, sugar alcohols provide about one half the calories of regular sugar and if you ignore these calories, you may be going way off your diet. Sugar alcohols are often added to sweeten foods, provide bulk or filler, and help retain moisture. These “dietetic sugars” include maltitol, mannitol, sorbital, xylitol, isomalt, lactitol, erythriol, glycerol or glycerin, and hydrogenated starch hydrolysates. While they do have less of an effect on blood sugar levels and total absorbed calories, excessive amounts can cause diarrhea, gas and bloating. If you want to be accurate in your carb counting, these must be counted as 50% absorbed. If fiber has been added to take the place of calories you’re in luck! The dietary fiber found in most cereals and breads is not always completely digested and may not be absorbed unlike fruit and vegetable fiber. If the “Nutrition Facts Label” shows less than five or six grams of dietary fiber per serving, then you’re probably getting few calories from the fiber and can ignore it when counting carbs. If the label shows added fiber from fruits and vegetables, then you are indeed getting carbs from these sources. At this time, the terms; “net carbs”, “impact carbs” and “net effective carbs” have not received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval and do not generally provide an accurate estimate of carbohydrate content. Overall, the best and most reliable source of information about the “real carbs” contained within a packaged food is found on the back of the package and not the advertising label on the front. Look closely at the Nutrition Facts label to determine the “real carb count”! Happy dieting!! Dr. Frank |
These health tips are offered for your common sense use and are not intended to take the place of a visit to your doctor. Your use of the materials implies your understanding that nothing herein contained represents individual medical advice. drhuggiebear, drhuggiebear.com and contained materials are the copyrighted and/or registered properties of Frank Barnhill, M.D. and may not be reproduced for profit without the express written permission of the author. All materials may be photocopied in whole for educational use. For information please contact us at drfrank@drhuggiebear.com. |
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