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Low-carb diet 'cancer risk' claim Low-carb diet 'cancer risk' claim
(about 2 hours later)
Low-carbohydrate diets may increase the risk of people suffering bowel cancer, scientists have claimed.Low-carbohydrate diets may increase the risk of people suffering bowel cancer, scientists have claimed.
Researchers from Aberdeen's Rowett Research Institute believe there is a link between eating less carbohydrate and reducing cancer-fighting bacteria.Researchers from Aberdeen's Rowett Research Institute believe there is a link between eating less carbohydrate and reducing cancer-fighting bacteria.
The Rowett study saw 19 overweight men given three diets containing different levels of carbohydrate.The Rowett study saw 19 overweight men given three diets containing different levels of carbohydrate.
Low-carbohydrate diets, such as Atkins, have their critics, however supporters say studies have show effectiveness.Low-carbohydrate diets, such as Atkins, have their critics, however supporters say studies have show effectiveness.
In the long run, it is possible that such diets could contribute to colorectal cancer Prof Harry FlintRowett Research InstituteIn the long run, it is possible that such diets could contribute to colorectal cancer Prof Harry FlintRowett Research Institute
The researchers said they have discovered a link between consuming carbohydrate and the production of a fatty acid in the gut, which protects against colorectal cancer. The researchers said they had discovered a link between consuming carbohydrate and the production of a fatty acid in the gut that protects against colorectal cancer.
The acid, called butyrate, is produced by bacteria and helps kill off cancerous cells.The acid, called butyrate, is produced by bacteria and helps kill off cancerous cells.
The researchers said they found low-carbohydrate regimes could cause a four-fold reduction in the cancer-fighting bacteria.The researchers said they found low-carbohydrate regimes could cause a four-fold reduction in the cancer-fighting bacteria.
'Preventable disease''Preventable disease'
The diets start by reducing carbohydrate intake, including foods such as potatoes and bread.The diets start by reducing carbohydrate intake, including foods such as potatoes and bread.
The researchers say the danger comes if dieters are tempted to keep the level low.The researchers say the danger comes if dieters are tempted to keep the level low.
They said the study showed a low carbohydrate group consuming only 24g a day - behind the high intake group at 400g - saw a four-fold drop in the level of the cancer-fighting bacteria.They said the study showed a low carbohydrate group consuming only 24g a day - behind the high intake group at 400g - saw a four-fold drop in the level of the cancer-fighting bacteria.
Prof Harry Flint, who led the research, said: "In the long run, it is possible that such diets could contribute to colorectal cancer.Prof Harry Flint, who led the research, said: "In the long run, it is possible that such diets could contribute to colorectal cancer.
"It is a preventable disease, and there is evidence that poor diet can increase your risk.""It is a preventable disease, and there is evidence that poor diet can increase your risk."
He said it was likely the results would be the same in women.He said it was likely the results would be the same in women.