Impacts of carbohydrate-restricted diets on micronutrient intakes and status: A systematic review

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Impacts of carbohydrate-restricted diets on micronutrient intakes and status: A systematic review

Churuangsuk et al., 2019 | Obes Rev | Systematic Review

Citation

Churuangsuk Chaitong, Griffiths Daniel, ... Combet Emilie. Impacts of carbohydrate-restricted diets on micronutrient intakes and status: A systematic review. Obes Rev. 2019-Aug;20(8):1132-1147. doi:10.1111/obr.12857

Abstract

A systematic review of published evidence on micronutrient intake/status with carbohydrate-restricted diets (CRD) was conducted in Web of Science, Medline, Embase, Scopus, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov up to October 2018. We identified 10 studies: seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) ("Atkins"-style, n = 5; "Paleolithic" diets, n = 2), two Atkins-style noncontrolled trials and one cross-sectional study. Prescribed carbohydrate varied 4% to 34% of energy intake. Only one noncontrolled trial prescribed multivitamin supplements. Dietary intakes/status were reported over 2 to 104 weeks, with weight losses from 2 to 9 kg. No diagnoses of deficiency were reported. Intakes of thiamine, folate, magnesium, calcium, iron, and iodine all decreased significantly (-10% to -70% from baseline) with any CRD types. Atkins diet trials (n = 6; 4%-34%E carbohydrate) showed inconsistent changes in vitamin A, E, and β-carotene intakes, while a single "Paleolithic" diet trial (28%E carbohydrate) reported increases in these micronutrients. One other "Paleolithic" diet (30%E carbohydrate) reported a rise in moderate iodine deficiency from 15% to 73% after 6 months. In conclusion, few studies have assessed the impacts of CRD on micronutrients. Studies with different designs point towards reductions in several vitamins and minerals, with potential risk of micronutrient inadequacies. Trial reporting standards are expected to include analysis of micronutrient intake/status. Micronutrients in foods and/or supplements should be considered when designing, prescribing or following CRDs.

Key Findings

Micronutrients in foods and/or supplements should be considered when designing, prescribing or following CRDs.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 5
Age Range See abstract
Condition deficiency

MeSH Terms

  • Body Weight
  • Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted
  • Energy Intake
  • Humans
  • Micronutrients
  • Nutritional Status

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: thiamine

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09