The effects of very high fat, very low carbohydrate diets on safety, blood lipid profile, and anabolic hormone status

Very low carbohydrate ( 70 %) (VLCKD) diets have previously been shown to decrease fat mass in obese or overweight individuals. The very high fat, high cholesterol diet has caused alarm and researchers question its safety. However, because lipids provide the raw substrate necessary for the biosynthesis of anabolic hormones such as testosterone the diet may have implications for athletes. PURPOSE: Therefore the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 11 weeks of VLCKD dieting on safety, blood lipid profile, and anabolic hormone status. Methods Twenty-six college aged resistance trained men volunteered to participate in this study and were divided into VLCKD (5 % CHO, 75 % Fat, 20 % Pro) or a traditional western diet (55 % CHO, 25 % fat, 20 % pro). All subjects participated in a periodized resistance-training program three times per week. Blood samples were taken at week 0 and 11 of the study and analyzed for safety (comprehensive metabolic panel, and comprehensive blood panel), blood lipid profile (triglycerides, HDL, LDL and total), and insulin and testosterone. Consent to publish the results was obtained from all participants. Results