| Elevated triglycerides (TG) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) are recognized as independent risk markers for cardiovascular disease (CVD). An 8-week trial was designed to examine the effects of a low-carbohydrate diet compared to a low fat diet on CRP and TG concentrations in hypertriglyceridemic individuals. The study was a parallel group design with 28 patients randomized to either the 15% carbohydrate diet or the low-fat diet. Significant reductions in carbohydrate and fiber intakes occurred in those assigned to the low carbohydrate diets (p = 0.015, and p = 0.034, respectively), whereas those on the low fat diets experienced with smaller reductions or an increase in fiber intake by week eight. Over time, there was a significant decrease in calories in both diet groups (p = 0.036). No significant diet group by time differences were observed in either CRP or TG levels (p = 0.12 and p = 0.42, respectively). Compliance rates were not different. In conclusion, short-term consumption of low-carbohydrate diets in this small study did not lower either risk marker more than the low-fat diets. |
