Anti-Atkins nutritionist working for flour millers
By Tom Peterkin
(Filed: 18/08/2003) www.telegraph.co.uk
The nutritionist who condemned the protein-based Atkins Diet is working on a report looking at the benefits of a high-carbohydrate diet funded by the Flour Advisory Bureau (Fab).
It emerged yesterday that Susan Jebb, the head of nutrition and health resea rch at the Medical Research Council (MRC), has been commissioned by Fab, the organisation which is recognised as the lobbying arm of the National Association of British and Irish Millers.
The council will be paid 10,000 by Fab for the study, which involves Dr Jebb reviewing scientific literature investigating diets that are high in car bohydrates such as bread, pasta and rice.
Last week she caused consternation among devotees of the Atkins Diet when sh e said that there was not a "shred of evidence" to suggest that it worked. Followers of the diet are allowed to eat as much protein and fat as they like provided that they cut out carbohydrates altogether.
Dr Jebb said at the Royal Institution that the Atkins Diet, which counts celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston and Renee Zellweger among its devotees, was a "massive health risk".
"Fad diets prey on the overweight, offering quick fixes and psychological tricks," she added. "I see no medical benefit at all in them, and in particular, the Atkins Diet."
In a 1999 study for Fab, Dr Jebb recommended that those suffering from obesi ty should go on a diet that was "rich in complex carbohydrates and low in fat".
Her latest study will be launched in Fab's London office on Sept 23.
Dr Jebb's association with an organisation devoted to promoting the staple ingredient of one of the world's most popular carbohydrates has raised eyebro ws.
John Briffa, an independent nutrition expert, said: "It is up to other peopl e to decide whether Susan Jebb's view stems from her links with the flour in dustry. But if it appears that her scientific view has been skewed by the fo od industry, that is of enormous concern."
But the MRC rejected any suggestion that Dr Jebb's integrity had been compro mised. Carolan Davidge, the council's spokesman, said: "She is an independen t expert and I can't stress that enough.
"She could be commissioned by anybody to produce independent research. If th e Atkins Diet people asked her to do some research she would do it independe ntly.
"The idea that anybody would think that she would compromise her standing as a scientist and her independence for 10,000 is just ridiculous."
Dr Jebb was unavailable for comment yesterday but in the Scotland on Sunday newspaper she denied there was a conflict of interests.
She said: "I am simply bringing to the public's attention the scientific evidence. There is little evidence that low amounts of carbs are better for you than a high amount. You have to look at my scientific record and judge for yourself."