Low-Carb Lowdown

You've all heard about them...low carbohydrate/high protein diets designed to drop pounds fast.

But you've probably also heard the safety concerns...especially when it comes to your kidneys.

Now, a new study appearing in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology looks into these safety concerns.

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine compared the effects of a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet versus a standard low-fat diet over a two year period.

Comparing kidney-related measurements in 307 obese individuals, the researchers found that a low-carbohydrate, high-protein weight loss diet did not cause noticeably harmful effects to kidney function or electrolyte balance... compared with a low-fat diet.

The authors noted that further follow-up is needed to determine even longer-term effects of the diet on the kidneys, but this work erases many early fears.

I'm Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV, with the news that doctors are reading; health news that matters to you.