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Dietitians issue detox diet warning

23/07/2008

Dietitians have warned people to be wary of 'fantasy' detox diets after a woman was left brain damaged by an extreme diet.

Dawn Page, 52, was awarded a £810,000 payout at the high court after she suffered an epileptic fit after following the Amazing Hydration Diet on the advice of her nutritionist.

She was told to drink large amounts of water daily and to reduce her salt intake but soon began vomiting uncontrollably and was admitted to hospital.

The court heard that Ms Page has been forced to give up her job and suffers from a defect which affects her memory, concentration and speech.

Following the case the British Dietetic Association (BDA) urged people wanting nutrition advice to only visit professionals registered with the Health Professions Council.

It warned that fantasy diets and unproven treatments can compromise the quality of the diet overall.

"While hearing the need to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and regular exercise may not be sexy or new, the recommendation is based on sound science that works and is safe advice to follow," a BDA statement said.

Registered dietitian and BDA spokesperson Catherine Collins added: "It is a tragedy that cases [such as Ms Page's] are not isolated incidents but increasing in occurrence and dietitians have to cope with the aftermath of incorrect nutritional advice.

"With so many claims about diet and health banded around it can be difficult to know what or who to believe, so it is important that people looking for diet and nutritional advice ensure they are being treated by properly qualified and registered health dietitian."