Low-carb fears.

LOW-carbohydrate slimming diets may damage arteries and increase the risk of heart attacks. Scientists believe cutting out the carbs by following Atkins-style diets impairs the regrowth and repair of blood vessels. The discovery was made by a US team whose leader was himself on a low-carb diet until he saw the results of the study. The researchers conducted tests in heart disease-prone mice.

One group received standard mouse "chow" diet made up of 65% carbohydrate, 20% protein and 15% fat, while another was fed a "Western" diet consisting of 43% carbohydrate, 42% fat, 15% protein and 0.15% cholesterol.

The third group was given an Atkins-style low-carb/high protein diet containing 12% carbohydrate, 43% fat, 45% protein and 0.15% cholesterol.

Over a period of 12 weeks, the blood vessels of mice on lowcarb diets suffered significantly more atherosclerosis - the build-up of hard deposits or "plaques" that narrow arteries.

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