Macro partitioning
Adherence to a low carbohydrate-high protein diet is associated with a statistically significant increase in the incidence of overall cardiovascular disease in women.
If you are a woman following a low-carb, high-protein diet for weight loss, be aware that this study links this specific dietary pattern to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke over the long term. The risk appears to increase as you decrease carbs and increase protein. Consider reviewing the sources of your protein (animal vs. plant) and carbohydrates (refined vs. complex), as the study suggests these factors may modify the risk.
A one tenth decrease in carbohydrate intake or increase in protein intake or a 2 unit increase in the low carbohydrate-high protein score were all statistically significantly associated with increasing incidence of cardiovascular disease overall (n=1270)—incidence rate ratio estimates 1.04 (95% confidence interval 1.00 to 1.08), 1.04 (1.02 to 1.06), and 1.05 (1.02 to 1.08).
Why this rating
Large prospective cohort (n=43,396), long follow-up (15.7 years), and linkage to national registries, though observational design limits causal inference.
Source
Low carbohydrate-high protein diet and incidence of cardiovascular diseases in Swedish women: prospective cohort study
P. Lagiou et al. · BMJ · 2012
DOI 10.1136/bmj.e4026
Related findings · Macro partitioning
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