Wyeth Consumer Healthcare announced their new multivitamin, Centrum Carb Assist, which includes high levels of select nutrients to help the body utilize carbs, fats and proteins, while providing vitamin and mineral support for those who have cut back on their carbohydrate intake.

"By severely limiting - or completely cutting - carbohydrates from their diets, many people may not be getting the full complement of nutrients required for optimal health," said Andy Davis, senior vice president for Wyeth Consumer Healthcare. "With the popularity of low-carb diets at an all time high, Centrum Carb Assist is formulated to provide optimal levels of vital nutrients as part of a complete formula to help support the millions of Americans currently living a low-carb lifestyle."

In general, it is well documented that when an individual is dieting or has modified his/her eating habits, certain vitamin and mineral intake levels may become sub-optimal or deficient. More specifically, low carbohydrate diets, which vary greatly by definition, often limit or omit certain food groups.

Exclusion or reduction of carbohydrates in the form of dairy, fruits, vegetables, and grains can lead to deficiency in certain micronutrients, including: vitamins C, D, E, and B6, as well as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid. Scientific studies suggest that optimal levels of certain vitamins and minerals may lead to health benefits such as the risk reduction of certain chronic diseases including osteoporosis, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. In addition, the B vitamins play an indispensable role in the metabolic conversion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to energy.