Glycerine question

lunarmoth · 08-21-2004, 09:59 AM

Dear AN,
Would you please go to the Atkins website and look at the page on "The Skinny on Net Carbs"? I am confused as to where they subtract 9 gms. carbs for glycerine(where is the glycerine listed?) and the final net carbs is only 2. I do understand to subtract the 11 carbs for the fiber. I am thinking I am not eating enough carbs during the day. I am on Induction, have been for over a month and have only lost 5 pounds. Plus a lesson on glycerine would be great, too. (in layman's terms please) Thank you!

Atkins_Nutritionist · 08-23-2004, 07:48 AM

Hi Lunar,

Glycerine is listed in red next to the net carb symbol in the explanation of how net carbs is calculated for this product. It may be difficult to read on your computer screen but it says ‘For those controlling their carbs, count only 2 grams of the 22 grams of the total carbs in this product. Subtract fiber (11 grams) and glycerine (9 grams) which both have a minimal impact on blood sugar’.

Although glycerine acts differently in the body than other carbohydrates, the FDA does not require it to be identified separately on the label, as it does for fiber and other sugars. We have put in requests for this but no changes have been made. Other countries do require it to be listed separately, Atkins Nutritionals does it voluntarily.

The Atkins Nutritional Approach is centered around whole foods. Glycerol is used in products that are only to be included on occasions. If you switch your focus to whole foods on the Induction list (http://atkins.com/Archive/2001/12/15-464579.html) and follow the rules for Induction, this should get you on the right track.

Here is a document prepared in consumer friendly terms on glycerol. Hope it helps!

Atkins Nutritionals use the finest ingredients, with no added sugars, to create products that are controlled in carbohydrates. Although the target is to reduce carbohydrates by replacing them with other components (such as the sugar alcohol maltitol, the artificial sweetener Splenda, or a soy based protein), it would be impossible to eliminate carbohydrates all together without compromising the taste or quality of the product. The carbohydrates that are included as ingredients are chosen wisely and carefully, with much consideration given to the impact on blood sugar. Glycerol is one carbohydrate often used by Atkins Nutritionals. By understanding what this carbohydrate is, it will become obvious why it is a good choice ingredient for carbohydrate controlled products.

What is glycerol?
Glycerol is a viscous liquid used in the food industry to improve taste, moisture content and palatability. It is about 0.6 times as sweet as sugar cane. Though similar in energy content to carbohydrates, contributing around 4 kcals per gram, glycerol does not fit the structural definition of carbohydrates. It is a polyhydroxy alcohol while carbohydrates are polyhydroxy aldehydes or ketones.

How is glycerol made?
Glycerol is one of the most common alcohols in the human body, naturally occurring in foods and in living tissues. It is the backbone of triglycerides, released when adipose tissue and dietary fat are broken down. It can also be formed from glucose. Although it is an essential component of triglycerides, consumption of the glycerol in foods does not cause them to be produced in excess. This is because components other than glycerol are required in order to form the triglyceride molecule. It has been demonstrated that glycerol ingestion alone may increase triglyceride levels, however, this is not a concern for individuals eating sensible portions of a product containing glycerol as an ingredient or a food naturally containing it.

How does glycerol impact blood glucose and plasma insulin?
Glycerol differs dramatically from ingested glucose in its impact on blood glucose and plasma insulin. Glucose does not require hydrolysis (process where it is broken down) before absorption so it produces immediate and quantifiable increases in blood sugar and subsequent plasma insulin. In contrast, it has been well established that glycerol produces no observed increases. A number of studies have shown that glycerol in doses of 20 grams and up to 70 grams produces no rise in blood glucose or plasma insulin. These doses are significantly greater than the amount of glycerol in any of Atkins Nutritionals’ products as well as what is found in foods naturally containing glycerol.

Why is it important to know about glycerol?
Consuming a high carbohydrate diet, particularly high glycemic index carbohydrates, may have negative health consequences. These may include obesity, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and insulin resistance. Consuming foods that have replaced high glycemic carbohydrates with sources such as glycerol, may be an effective way of combating these health problems. Understanding what glycerol is and why it is used may be beneficial to those who are seeking to make and maintain dietary changes in order to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

08-21-2004, 09:59 AM	#1
lunarmoth Junior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 14 Gallery: lunarmoth Stats: 5'9" 205/200/150 (subject to change!) WOE: Atkins Start Date: July 2004	Glycerine question Dear AN, Would you please go to the Atkins website and look at the page on "The Skinny on Net Carbs"? I am confused as to where they subtract 9 gms. carbs for glycerine(where is the glycerine listed?) and the final net carbs is only 2. I do understand to subtract the 11 carbs for the fiber. I am thinking I am not eating enough carbs during the day. I am on Induction, have been for over a month and have only lost 5 pounds. Plus a lesson on glycerine would be great, too. (in layman's terms please) Thank you! __________________ If I don't stand for something, I'll fall for anything. Therefore I stand in awe of God.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

08-23-2004, 07:48 AM	#2
Atkins_Nutritionist Nutritionist Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Atkins Health and Medical Information Services Posts: 684 Gallery: Atkins_Nutritionist	Hi Lunar, Glycerine is listed in red next to the net carb symbol in the explanation of how net carbs is calculated for this product. It may be difficult to read on your computer screen but it says ‘For those controlling their carbs, count only 2 grams of the 22 grams of the total carbs in this product. Subtract fiber (11 grams) and glycerine (9 grams) which both have a minimal impact on blood sugar’. Although glycerine acts differently in the body than other carbohydrates, the FDA does not require it to be identified separately on the label, as it does for fiber and other sugars. We have put in requests for this but no changes have been made. Other countries do require it to be listed separately, Atkins Nutritionals does it voluntarily. The Atkins Nutritional Approach is centered around whole foods. Glycerol is used in products that are only to be included on occasions. If you switch your focus to whole foods on the Induction list (http://atkins.com/Archive/2001/12/15-464579.html) and follow the rules for Induction, this should get you on the right track. Here is a document prepared in consumer friendly terms on glycerol. Hope it helps! Atkins Nutritionals use the finest ingredients, with no added sugars, to create products that are controlled in carbohydrates. Although the target is to reduce carbohydrates by replacing them with other components (such as the sugar alcohol maltitol, the artificial sweetener Splenda, or a soy based protein), it would be impossible to eliminate carbohydrates all together without compromising the taste or quality of the product. The carbohydrates that are included as ingredients are chosen wisely and carefully, with much consideration given to the impact on blood sugar. Glycerol is one carbohydrate often used by Atkins Nutritionals. By understanding what this carbohydrate is, it will become obvious why it is a good choice ingredient for carbohydrate controlled products. What is glycerol? Glycerol is a viscous liquid used in the food industry to improve taste, moisture content and palatability. It is about 0.6 times as sweet as sugar cane. Though similar in energy content to carbohydrates, contributing around 4 kcals per gram, glycerol does not fit the structural definition of carbohydrates. It is a polyhydroxy alcohol while carbohydrates are polyhydroxy aldehydes or ketones. How is glycerol made? Glycerol is one of the most common alcohols in the human body, naturally occurring in foods and in living tissues. It is the backbone of triglycerides, released when adipose tissue and dietary fat are broken down. It can also be formed from glucose. Although it is an essential component of triglycerides, consumption of the glycerol in foods does not cause them to be produced in excess. This is because components other than glycerol are required in order to form the triglyceride molecule. It has been demonstrated that glycerol ingestion alone may increase triglyceride levels, however, this is not a concern for individuals eating sensible portions of a product containing glycerol as an ingredient or a food naturally containing it. How does glycerol impact blood glucose and plasma insulin? Glycerol differs dramatically from ingested glucose in its impact on blood glucose and plasma insulin. Glucose does not require hydrolysis (process where it is broken down) before absorption so it produces immediate and quantifiable increases in blood sugar and subsequent plasma insulin. In contrast, it has been well established that glycerol produces no observed increases. A number of studies have shown that glycerol in doses of 20 grams and up to 70 grams produces no rise in blood glucose or plasma insulin. These doses are significantly greater than the amount of glycerol in any of Atkins Nutritionals’ products as well as what is found in foods naturally containing glycerol. Why is it important to know about glycerol? Consuming a high carbohydrate diet, particularly high glycemic index carbohydrates, may have negative health consequences. These may include obesity, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and insulin resistance. Consuming foods that have replaced high glycemic carbohydrates with sources such as glycerol, may be an effective way of combating these health problems. Understanding what glycerol is and why it is used may be beneficial to those who are seeking to make and maintain dietary changes in order to achieve a healthier lifestyle.