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Effects of High Fat Versus High Carbohydrate Diets on Plasma Lipids and Lipoproteins in Endurance Athletes


Brown, R.C., Cox, C.M., "Effects of High Fat Versus High Carbohydrate Diets on Plasma Lipids and Lipoproteins in Endurance Athletes," Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 30(12), 1998, pages 1677-1683.

Summary:


The following information was written by Atkins professionals.

Thirty-two endurance-trained cyclists (average age 26) followed either a high- (70 percent) carbohydrate or low- (35-40 percent) carbohydrate diet for three months to evaluate the effect of diet composition on blood lipids/lipoproteins. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, HDL-2, HDL-3, triglycerides and apolipoprotein A-1 were recorded at the start of the study as well as four, eight and 12 weeks later. Other measurements included weight, height, body composition and bone mineral density. Detailed training and performance diaries were kept. Changes in lipids/lipoproteins did not differ between groups in the three-month test period but significant increases in cholesterol and triglycerides occurred within the high-carbohydrate diet group at the end of 12 weeks. No other notable differences between groups were noted. The authors concluded that during periods of endurance training, increasing the percentage of fat to approximately 50 percent of total energy did not result in adverse changes in plasma lipoprotein profiles nor did it affect endurance training in athletes.

Commentary:

The following information was written by Atkins professionals.

The findings of this study can be applied to the Atkins Principles of Disease Prevention and Good Health. According to this study, a high-fat diet may not have adverse effects on performance or blood lipid profiles. Including up to 50% total calories as fat had no negative effects on the total and LDL cholesterol levels of well trained athletes. These higher fat intakes might in fact assist athletes in obtaining the higher energy requirements without relying on consuming high sugar alternatives.