How do you calculate net carbs for a dietary plan?

Dieters calculate net carbs by subtracting the fiber content and sugar alcohols from the total carbohydrate amount, according to Atkins. Low-carb diets, such as the Atkins diet, assert that net carbs reflect the impact of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels.

Critics of low-carb diets argue that the concept of net carbs is part of a fad created by food manufacturers, explains Mother Nature Network. Net carbs have no legal definition and are not regulated by the FDA, and calculations can vary. Another critical argument is that counting net carbs is useful only for people with Type 1 diabetes who need to manage insulin release, because a higher amount of fiber means a slower release of carbohydrates.