As the popularity of low carbohydrate diets has grown, many manufacturers have tried to find ways to market their products. More and more food labels and restaurant choices are now advertising “net carbs,” “carbs that count,” “impact carbs” and “effective carbs.” The consumer should understand that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved these new terms on labels. The FDA is currently working on developing guidelines for low carbohydrate levels similar to the guidelines for the terms “fat-free,” “low-fat” and “low sodium.”
Companies are claiming that fiber in foods are not digested and absorbed like other carbohydrates, therefore our bodies do not convert them into blood glucose. Carbohydrates in the form of fiber and sugar alcohol have less impact on blood sugar but they cannot be ignored all together. Sugar alcohol does have calories though less than regular sugar but it can cause gastrointestinal distress if over-consumed.
“Net carbs” are defined as total carbohydrates minus dietary fiber and sugar alcohol. For example if the total carbohydrate equals 15 grams, and the fiber content is 5 grams and sugar alcohol is 10 grams {(15 – (10+5)) =0} the net carbs would equal zero.
To interpret this claim the consumer should be aware of the following:
When there are more than 5 grams of fiber per serving, subtract the grams of fiber from the total grams of carbohydrate, determining the effect on blood glucose An example is if total fiber is 14 grams and total carbohydrate is 47 grams the amount of effective carbohydrate would be 47-14=33 grams). If there is more than 10 grams of sugar alcohol listed then it should be counted as containing half the listed amount as carbohydrates. For example, if a food item contains 12 grams of sugar alcohol it would be counted as 6 grams of carbohydrate.
Be aware that eating foods with more than 10 grams of sugar alcohol can cause intestinal gas and diarrhea. Remember that sugar alcohols do have calories. Once you are aware of these guidelines, if a food label contains these new terms, you can check the amount of fiber and sugar alcohol they are subtracting to make sure that it meets the guidelines. You may choose to ignore the claim as an advertising gimmick.
For more information on net carbs go to: http://www.countcarbs.com/advice/To_Count_or _Not_to_Count.htm
Sources:
Rundus, Tandy R.D., Meck, Mary, Higgens, PH.D, R.D., L.D., CDE, and Procter, Sandy, M.S., R.D. Net Carbs, Impact Carbs, Zero Carbs that Count- What Does It Mean? May 2004, Retrieved on January 15, 2005 from http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/humannutrition/nutritionnews/net_carbs.htm
Davis, Erin, R.D., L.D., What Are Net Carbs? Chesapeake Dietetic Lines, v 65, Fall 2004, #2.
Article by Cristie Lynn Utter,
MS, RD, LD
