Carbohydrate restriction improves metabolic syndrome parameters in Emirati subjects: Comparisons with the American Dietetic Association (ADA) Diet

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome has increased dramatically in the United Arab Emirates. We examined the effects of a carbohydrate restricted diet (CRD) in 39 overweight/obese Emirati subjects (15 male/ 24 female) 18 to 50 y classified with the metabolic syndrome (MetS). All subjects were prescribed a CRD for 6 wk (energy distribution: 23% CHO: 24% protein: 52% fat). During this period all subjects experienced significant decreases in weight (P< 0.0001), body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.0001), waist circumference (WC) (P < 0.0001), plasma triglycerides (TG) (P< 0.0001), glucose (P < 0.0001) and blood pressure (P < 0.001). However, there were no changes in HDL or LDL cholesterol (LDL‐C). In addition, all subjects had increases in adiponectin (P < 0.01) and decreases in insulin (P < 0.01). Following the initial 6 wk, 20 subjects were randomly assigned to continue with the CRD and 19 were switched to the ADA diet (30%fat: 55%CHO 15% protein) for additional 6 wk. Comparisons between groups indicated that subjects consuming the CRD had lower TG (P < 0.01), lower BMI (P < 0.01), lower WC and plasma insulin (P < 0.01) at wk 12 compared to those in the ADA group. All subjects had a decrease in LDL‐C at wk 12 and no changes in HDL‐C. These results confirm the unique benefits of a CRD on markers of MetS in Emirati subjects. The improvement in MetS parameters was greater in subjects who continued a CRD compared to those who switched to a conventional diet emphasizing fat restriction.