The low-carbohydrate trend sweeping United States seems to be purely an American thing.

LOW-CARB DIETS Menu Maker: Plan Healthy Meals In Depth: Lowdown On Low Carb Column: Diary Of A Fat Man Discuss: Have You Tried Atkins? Survey: On Low-Carb Diet? RESOURCES How Low-Carbing Works How Atkins Works

Research from Mintel International Group found that in 2003, 396 low-carb products were introduced in the United States. The number of low-carb products appearing over the same period outside North America and the United Kingdom? Zero.

The company presented the research at the Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting and Food Expo last week in New Orleans.

So far in 2004, 1,181 new low-carb products have been introduced in the United States, according to Mintel. Only 16 came out in Canada, 39 in the United Kingdom, and 20 elsewhere worldwide.

"In the rest of the world, there has been a lot of negative press about the concept of low-carb diets," said David Jago, director of GNPD Consulting Services for Mintel. "There are also economic and cultural obstacles."

In simple terms, Japanese diners won't forego rice, Italians wouldn't think of giving up pasta, and the French won't surrender their bisques.

Mintel doesn't interpret this to mean people outside of the States are apathetic about the connection between health and food. They simply take a different approach.

For food manufacturers looking to market their products overseas, the researchers said they should focus on the variety of health benefits of their products.