Presentation Overview:

Tamzyn Murphy is Nutrition Network’s content editor and a registered dietitian with a Master’s degree in Physiology (with distinction), in which she investigated low carbohydrate diets and type 2 diabetes. In this lecture, she outlines the nutritional aspects and application of Therapeutic Carbohydrate Restriction (TCR).

Learning objectives:

• Learn the basics of formulating a Therapeutic Carbohydrate Restricted (TCR) diet 
• Learn how about nutrient sufficiency on a TCR diet and how to apply it 
• Become familiar with problematic nutrients in plants and ultra-processed food (specifically linoleic acid, sugar, and refined carbohydrate) 
• Know the contraindications, cautions, and trouble-shooting for TCR 
• Become familiar with the basics of clinical assessment and monitoring in the context of TCR 
  

Presentation Summary:

Murphy begins by defining a low carbohydrate (LC) diet or Therapeutic Carbohydrate Restriction (TCR) based on Feinman et al. (2015)’s definition. She then explores the nutritional adequacy of TCR, according to its provision of essential nutrients, and compares it to conventional dietary guidelines. She concludes that while TCR cannot, by definition, meet carbohydrate and fat macronutrient specifications stipulated by the Dietary Guidelines, it can and does meet requirements for essential nutrients. She gives tips to ensure nutritional sufficiency on TCR.

Murphy then discusses plant versus animal nutrition with regard to micronutrients, protein, fiber, and antinutrient effects. She motivates animal-based nutrition to be superior on all fronts, emphasising the contextual nature of nutrition. Murphy then explains the three main nutrients of concern found in Ultra Processed Foods (UPF), namely, refined high glycaemic index carbohydrates, sugar, and linoleic acid (LA) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). She walks us through studies showing the deleterious effects of these components of UPF, making a strong case for their role in the current epidemic of metabolic diseases.

Murphy then moves on to the clinical aspects and application of TCR. Here she lists contraindications, cautions, and troubleshooting for TCR, as well as how to assess and evaluate the diet and patient outcomes. 

Downloadable resources:

1. Presentation
2. Reference list