How to Calculate Net Effective Carbs

Net effective carbohydrates are the carbohydrates that can be fully absorbed by your body. Certain substances like fiber and sugar alcohols are resistant to digestion and are therefore not metabolized like a typical carbohydrate. Though they play an important part of a well-balanced diet, too many carbohydrates can be problematic for some people with blood sugar or weight-control issues. Calculating net effective carbohydrates is recommended when choosing foods as part of a low-carb, high-protein diet.

Things You'll Need

• Food label
• Calculator

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Instructions

• 1

  Determine the serving size. If you are going to eat more than the size listed, make sure to account for the increased portion.

• 2

  Note the amount of total carbohydrate, dietary fiber and sugar alcohols per serving. Calculate the total grams of each based on the portion you are consuming as decided in Step 1. The information on the food label pertains to the serving size listed on the package. For example, if the serving size is 1 cup and you will be eating 2 cups, multiply the total carbohydrate, fiber and sugar alcohols by 2.

• 3

  Add the total grams of dietary fiber and sugar alcohols.

• 4

  Subtract the fiber and alcohols from the total carbohydrate to compute the net effective carbs.