(11-07-10) Micronutrient quality of weight-loss diets that focus on macronutrients: results from the A TO Z study.

Gardner CD, Kim S, Bersamin A, Dopler-Nelson M, Otten J, Oelrich B, Cherin R.

Stanford Prevention Research Center and the Department of Medicine, Stanford
University Medical School, Stanford, CA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Information on the micronutrient quality of alternative weight-
loss diets is limited, despite the significant public health relevance.
OBJECTIVE: Micronutrient intake was compared between overweight or obese women
randomly assigned to 4 popular diets that varied primarily in macronutrient
distribution. DESIGN: Dietary data were collected from women in the Atkins (n =
73), Zone (n = 73), LEARN (Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitudes, Relationships,
Nutrition) (n = 73), and Ornish (n = 72) diet groups by using 3-d, unannounced
24-h recalls at baseline and after 8 wk of instruction. Nutrient intakes were
compared between groups at 8 wk and within groups for 8-wk changes in risk of
micronutrient inadequacy. RESULTS: At 8 wk, significant differences were
observed between groups for all macronutrients and for many micronutrients (P <
0.0001). Energy intake decreased from baseline in all 4 groups but was similar
between groups. At 8 wk, a significant proportion of individuals shifted to
intakes associated with risk of inadequacy (P < 0.05) in the Atkins group for
thiamine, folic acid, vitamin C, iron, and magnesium; in the LEARN group for
vitamin E, thiamine, and magnesium; and in the Ornish group for vitamins E and
B-12 and zinc. In contrast, for the Zone group, the risk of inadequacy
significantly decreased for vitamins A, E, K, and C (P < 0.05), and no
significant increases in risk of inadequacy were observed for other
micronutrients. CONCLUSIONS: Weight-loss diets that focus on macronutrient
composition should attend to the overall quality of the diet, including the
adequacy of micronutrient intakes. Concerning calorie-restricted diets, there
may be a micronutrient advantage to diets providing moderately low carbohydrate
amounts and that contain nutrient-dense foods.

Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 Jun 23. [Epub ahead of print]

Source: PMID: 20573800 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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