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February 28, 2005 (New York, NY) – The next time you seek an “energy boost” from one of your favorite nutrition bars, think about this fact: a chocolate peanut butter PowerBar Performance bar is packed with 20 grams of sugars (contributing to this are the added sugars high fructose corn syrup with grape and pear juice concentrate). That’s twice the amount of sugar you get in a single Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut. In fact, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the average American consumes 158 pounds of various sugars annually.

Nutritionist Colette Heimowitz, M.Sc., vice president of education and research for Atkins Health & Medical Information Services, believes consumers need to consider whether the consumption of added sugars is really good for them. In fact, many nutritionists would agree that over-consumption of added sugars is a contributing factor to America’s obesity epidemic. Heimowitz has very clear advice on this matter for consumers – know what is in the foods you are eating and don’t rely on marketing slogans. “We believe, and emerging science confirms, a high refined carbohydrate diet, particularly one that includes a significant amount of added sugars, in a variety of forms, contributes to many health-related concerns.^1-3 Thus, it’s crucial to read the labels on all packaged foods,” she says.

Many Americans believe that if a product is labeled “low-fat” or “low-carb” or includes the words “health” or “healthy,” it must be good for them. However, this conclusion is not always true and with just the slightest bit of effort, consumers can begin to make wise food choices.

Science has demonstrated that added sugars have little dietary value, serving primarily as sweeteners and bulking agents and sources of unnecessary calories. For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in August 2004, showed that a higher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with greater weight gain and an increased risk for developing Type 2 diabetes in women.¹

“A firm tenet of the Atkins Nutritional Approach^TM (ANA^TM) has always been to avoid added sugars, for the many reasons set forth in Dr. Atkins’ books,” stated Ms. Heimowitz. “We encourage consumers to purchase products that do not rely on added sugars.”

Many times, the nutritional claims made on the front of packaging are not enough to determine the actual contents of the product. Consumers must read both the Nutrition Facts label and the list of ingredients to find added sugars. Consumers who are controlling carbs should select products with adequate protein, natural fats and fiber to ensure satiety and, ultimately, prevent binge eating. If the product is labeled “low-carb,” be sure there are no added sugars; moreover, if it contains sugar alcohols, be sure they don’t exceed 20 grams, which can cause some people gastrointestinal discomfort.

“We always urge consumers to eat whole foods, but we understand that hectic lifestyles don’t always allow it,” added Ms. Heimowitz. “However, if consumers are going to choose a bar or snack to eat on the go, they need to know that many products marketed as ‘healthy’ have just as many added sugars, if not more, in them as their junk food brethren.” (See attached table)

About Products Made by Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.:

Products made by Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. (ANI), the original experts on the low-carb lifestyle, are formulated to provide a wide range of health benefits, good taste and convenience. Atkins products span a number of food categories including nutrition bars, shakes, breakfast foods and indulgent treats. Atkins products are ideal for anyone interested in the benefits of a controlled-carbohydrate nutritional approach or who is looking for healthier alternatives to so-called nutrition products that are actually full of added sugars and trans fats. Atkins flagship Advantage™ nutrition bars are the top sellers in the nutrition bar category, and are packed with protein, fiber and vitamins and minerals without added sugars or trans fats. In 2004, ANI introduced the "Net Atkins Count" based on a patent-pending clinical method for determining the impact of a single serving on an individual’s blood sugar level, thus providing the most accurate net carb gram count of any product on the market.

About the Atkins Nutritional Approach^TM (ANA^TM)

The ANA is a scientifically validated nutritional strategy for weight control and better health based upon controlling carbohydrate consumption. This nutritional strategy stresses nutrient-dense carbohydrates as part of a balanced eating plan that includes a variety of protein and good fats, while restricting carbohydrates that have the greatest impact on blood sugar. The ANA provides each person with the information they need to find their individual level of carbohydrate intake, below which weight loss is achieved and above which weight gain occurs.

1. Schulze, M.B., Manson, J.E., Ludwig, D.S., et al.,“Sugar-Sweetened Beverages, Weight Gain, and Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in Young and Middle-Aged Women, JAMA, 292(8), 2004; pages 927-934.

2. Abbasi F, McLaughlin T, Lamendola C, et al., “High Carbohydrate Diets, Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins, and Coronary Heart Disease Risk.” American Journal of Cardiology. Jan 1 2000;85(1):45-48.

3. Romieu I, Lazcano-Ponce E, Sanchez-Zamorano LM, Willett W, Hernandez-Avila M. “Carbohydrates and the Risk of Breast Cancer Among Mexican Women,” Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention. Aug 2004;13(8):1283-1289.