LOW carbohydrate diets, like the Atkins diet, have recently become hugely popular in the UK.

But Wanstead MP Harry Cohen says he is concerned about the recent craze, and has now succeeded in getting the Government to clarify its advice on 'low carb' diets and food.

Mr Cohen said: "It is vitally important for the Government to be clear on the advice that it gives people considering cutting out carbohydrates and any possible health effects this may have, especially given the rise in the number of products specifically aimed at people wanting to cut carbohydrates from their diet."

In response to the MP's concerns, Health Minister Melanie Johnson said: "There is consensus in the scientific community that a diet rich in carbohydrates is beneficial to health," and added that the Government advised against dietary regimes that exclude or limited whole food groups.