Atkins introduces first scientifically validated Glycemic Load labeling

19/04/05 A diet ranking low on the glycemic index, supposedly hailing from Europe, has some labeling it as the "successor" to the Atkins Nutritional Approach. The company says that surprisingly, it has received this status as the latest nutritional trend, despite the fact that Dr. Robert C. Atkins wrote about the glycemic impact of food almost 40 years ago in his first book, Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution.

This patent-pending methodology, also referred to as Equivalent Glycemic Load (EGL) methodology, will begin appearing on Atkins packaging as the Net Atkins Count, effective with this month's launch of our new Morning Start Fruit & Grain Cereal Bars. The Net Atkins Count is derived from clinical testing, rather than the traditional method of subtracting dietary fiber, glycerine and sugar alcohols to determine the number of carbohydrates that will affect blood sugar.

The word "glycemic" refers to the effect carbohydrate foods have on blood sugar and insulin levels; the glycemic index ranks this effect on a scale of 0 to 100. An abundance of scientific research has demonstrated that controlled- carbohydrate nutritional programs improve glycemic control, which in turn aids in weight loss and weight maintenance. It also helps reduce the risks for heart disease, diabetes and many other health problems. Many food products will now be labeled as "low-glycemic" to express their ability to provide such benefits.