Study Focuses on Low-Carb, High-Fat Diet Effect on Older Populations

A study published in Nutrition and Metabolism from the University of Alabama at Birmingham's (UAB) Nutrition Obesity Research Center noted improved body composition, fat distribution, and metabolic health among older populations in response to an eight-week, very low-carbohydrate (VLCD), high-fat diet, reports ScienceDaily . Egg consumption was an important part of the diet, with participants asked to consume at least three eggs every day. "We can't conclude that our findings are a result of daily egg consumption. But I think what we can conclude is that whole eggs can be incorporated into the diet in a healthful way without adversely impacting blood cholesterol in older adults," said UAB Professor Amy Goss. Fat reduction was mainly in the abdominal cavity and skeletal muscle depots in the VLCD group. "We also found significant improvements in the overall lipid profile that would reflect decreased risk of cardiovascular disease," Goss added. "Further, insulin sensitivity improved in response to the very low-carbohydrate diet reflecting reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes."