Atkins critics attack new food range

Dieticians have criticised a new food and drink range launched to capitalise on the Atkins diet craze.

Atkins Nutritionals has built up a multi-million dollar industry in the United States and Canada through the sale of products for followers of the controversial high protein, low-carbohydrate diet.

The company is now focusing attention on the UK with a limited range unveiled yesterday and due in shops at the start of January.

Experts attacked the move as a cynical money making exercise.

Amanda Wynne, spokeswoman for the British Dietetic Association, said: “People who are struggling with their weight are very vulnerable and have problems with low self esteem.

“These products are another example of a fad diet taking advantage of people and I consider them a waste of time. People would be much better off following a good balanced diet.”

US-based Atkins Nutritionals Inc will initially sell the range through health food stores and branches of Boots.

The company said there were no immediate plans to stock the products in supermarkets as it does in the US.

There were signs that UK supermarkets may be wary of stocking the range.

A spokeswoman for Safeway said: “We have never endorsed one type of diet.”

The range includes Atkins Advantage Bars, which contain two to three grams of carbohydrates and 18 to 22 grams of protein.

Stuart Trager, managing director of Atkins Nutritionals, said they were sending experts to talk to shop staff to overcome what he described as the “misconceptions” which had built up around the diet.

“These misconceptions are bound to emerge about the diet and are propagated by those with ulterior motives or who may not be aware of the emerging science which supports our position.”

Richard Rothstein, an Atkins Nutritionals spokesman, added: “Our approach with the launch is to go into pharmacies and independent health stores where we can help train professionals and people in those stores so when people come in they can give them proper advice.”

The Atkins diet is said to have 30 million supporters in the US, including a host of celebrities.

However, doctors have expressed concern about the diet, including the risk of cardiovascular and renal disease, long-term effect on cholesterol, possible mineral deficiencies, effects on blood fat and long-term effect on liver and kidneys.