Low-carb diet 'bowel cancer risk'

Low-carbohydrate diets may increase the risk of bowel cancer, scientists said.

New research has discovered a link between consuming carbohydrate and the production of a fatty acid in the gut, which protects against colorectal cancer.

The acid, called butyrate, is produced by bacteria and helps kill off cancerous cells.

But researchers from Aberdeen's Rowett Research Institute found low-carbohydrate regimes - such as the popular Atkins Diet - can cause a four-fold reduction in the cancer-fighting bacteria.

Professor Harry Flint, who led the research, said: "In the long run, it is possible that such diets could contribute to colorectal cancer.

"It is a preventable disease, and there is evidence that poor diet can increase your risk."

Typically, the diets begin with a drastic cut in carbohydrate intake, including foods such as potatoes, fresh dairy products and alcohol.

This lasts around two weeks, and most report a huge drop in weight at this time.

Carbohydrate levels are then slowly increased over the following weeks.

This, according to Prof Flint, is when the situation can become dangerous.

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