Carb Studies on Menu at Children’s Hospital

If you’re not an Atkins diet devotee, this may be the vacation for you.

Children’s Hospital is doing a study to prove that good carbohydrates – such asa old-fashioned oatmeal – prevent heart disease and diabetes. The researchers are looking for two dozen young adults – who are overweight but otherwise healthy – to participate.

The study requires them to be admitted to the hospital for two separate 10-day stays. They’ll be paid $1,500, compensated for work and put up in a private room.

Chicken, turkey and vegetables will be served up – but the difference will be in the carbohydrates.

During one hospital stay, people will eat a low glycemic index diet of complex carbs, such as pasta, whole wheat or pumpernickel bread .

At another stay, they’ll be fed a high glycemic index diet that includes mashed potatoes, french fries and white bread – the so- called bad carbs.

“Our hypothesis is that the low glycemic index diet is going to reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes compared to the high glycemic diet,” said Diego Botero of the Optimal Weight for Life Obesity Program at Children’s Hospital.

Those interested who are between the ages of 18 and 35 should call 617-355-2180.