The word "glycemic" refers to the effect carbohydrate foods have on blood sugar and insulin levels; the glycemic index ranks this effect on a scale of 0 to 100. An abundance of scientific research has demonstrated that controlled- carbohydrate nutritional programs improve glycemic control, which in turn aids in weight loss and weight maintenance. It also helps reduce the risks for heart disease, diabetes and many other health problems. Many food products will now be labeled as "low-glycemic" to express their ability to provide such benefits.
"Until now, no food labeling has accurately reflected the glycemic impact a particular food will have on blood sugar," says Matt Wiant, chief marketing officer of Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. "While Atkins products have always been low-glycemic, millions of dollars have been invested in a three-year effort to even more accurately represent the products' effect on blood sugar, in a way that is relatively easy for the consumer to understand."
This patent-pending methodology, also referred to as Equivalent Glycemic Load (EGL) methodology, will begin appearing on Atkins packaging as the Net Atkins Count(TM), effective with this month's launch of our new Morning Start(TM) Fruit & Grain Cereal Bars. The Net Atkins Count(TM) is derived from clinical testing, rather than the traditional method of subtracting dietary fiber, glycerine and sugar alcohols to determine the number of carbohydrates that will affect blood sugar.
"Dr. Atkins knew that the glycemic index (GI) can be a helpful tool in selecting foods, but that it is not practical by itself," says Colette Heimowitz, M.Sc., vice president of education and research of Atkins Health & Medical Information Services. "Net Atkins Count(TM) and the Atkins Nutritional Approach(TM) improve upon the GI by taking into account portion size and how various foods containing fat, fiber and protein, when eaten together, will affect an individual's blood sugar level."
About Products Made by Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.: Products made by Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. (ANI), the original experts on the low-carb lifestyle, are formulated to provide a wide range of health benefits, good taste and convenience. Atkins products span a number of food categories including nutrition bars, shakes, breakfast foods and indulgent treats. Atkins products are ideal for anyone interested in the benefits of a controlled-carbohydrate nutritional approach or who is looking for healthier alternatives to so-called nutrition products that are actually full of added sugars and trans fats. Atkins flagship Advantage(TM) nutrition bars are the top sellers in the nutrition bar category, and are packed with protein, fiber and vitamins and minerals without added sugars or trans fats. In 2004, ANI introduced the "Net Atkins Count" based on a patent-pending clinical method for determining the impact of a single serving on an individual's blood sugar level, thus providing the most accurate net carb gram count of any product on the market.