What are these dietary patterns that often claim successes over another pattern? This comparison offers a brief description of each pattern as well as the rationale for the claims.
| Dietary Pattern | Primary Characteristics | Rationale |
| Low Carbohydrate | Restriction of total carbohydrate to less than 45% caloriesHigh protein or either animal or plant origin | Has recent and widespread interest. Can include a popular variation called the ketogenic diet (highly restrictive) |
| Low Fat (Vegetarian and traditional Asian) | Restriction of total fat or 20% of daily calories. Some can include dairy and eggs, limited meat such as chicken and seafood | Long-standing use, extensive research backup. Popularity is weak due to limited appeal; lack of taste |
| Low glycemic (blood sugar) | Limits the glycemic load of certain vegetables and many if not all fruits. | Relevant to diabetes and pertains to carbohydrate quality as to effects on blood glucose in the body. |
| Mediterranean | Emphasis on olive oil, fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains, beans, limited meat, moderate wine included | Mimics the traditional diets of Mediterranean countries. Associated with extensive research that emphasizes “healthy” fats |
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Mixed Balanced |
Includes both plant and animal foods that conform to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, DASH and Diabetes Prevention diets | Long-standing, widespread use. Associated with extensive research and intervention trials to address chronic diseases. |
| Paleolithic | Focus on diet of our Stone Age ancestors. Avoiding processed foods with emphasis on fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, lean meats.Dairy and grains are excluded. | Native human diet emphasis with substantial research. Emphasis on lean proteins. |
| Vegan | Often exclude all animal products, including dairy and eggs. If ill-conceived, can include plant-based junk food leading to nutrient deficiencies. | Relevant to ethics, animal welfare issues, environmental sustainability |
FOOD, FACTS and FADS 