Written question asked by Richard Younger-Ross (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 2 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 November 2004. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Monday, 15 November 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what guidance his Department gives on carbohydrate controlled diets; what plans he has to review that guidance in the light of recent research on the effectiveness of carbohydrate controlled diets; and if he will make a statement; what assessment his Department has made of carbohydrate controlled diets; what studies his Department has conducted into the effects of carbohydrate controlled diets; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what guidance his Department gives on carbohydrate-controlled diets; what plans he has to review that guidance in the light of recent research on the effectiveness of carbohydrate controlled diets; and if he will make a statement; [196278] (2) what assessment his Department has made of carbohydrate-controlled diets; what studies his Department has conducted into the effects of carbohydrate controlled diets; and if he will make a statement. [196279] Miss Melanie Johnson: The Government provide consumers with a wide range of information on nutrition aimed at improving their diet and health, which includes advice on consuming carbohydrates as part of a healthy balanced diet. Dietary advice, including the role of low-fat, low-carbohydrate and very low-energy diets will be considered in the forthcoming National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidance on the prevention, identification, assessment and management of overweight and obesity in adults and children, where there is good evidence of effectiveness.

Secondary information