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The “Skinny” on Olestra
This website is intended for the reader to understand the benefits and the risks of this product, sold under the brand name Olean. Health experts agree that we need to educate ourselves more about diet control and related health issues.
Olestra, developed by the Proctor and Gamble (P&G) company in 1968, is a synthesized fat substitute with no “bad” fat, calories or cholesterol. It replaces the need for butter or margarine and other cooking oils. In the early stages of its research and development some 30 years ago, P&G claimed that its new product would lower cholesterol levels by a full 15%. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was not impressed with results that did not meet the expectations and statements made by P&G. Moreover, there were side effects such as cramping and diarrhea and a genuine concern about long term consumption of a substance that may interfere with some vitamin absorption. Later, the FDA did approve olestra as a food additive.
We first saw olestra in wide use in the mid-90s, when the Frito Lay company started using it in potato chips. Since then the product has garnered the favor of the FDA and it is widely used as a food additive and food condiment.
Is it Safe?
According the to the FDA any residual concerns about the product were eliminated and by 2003, it had conducted a scientific review of several post-market studies submitted by P&G, as well as adverse event reports submitted by P&G and the Center for Science in the Public Interest (a particularly outspoken critic). The FDA concluded that the label statement was no longer warranted.
Further studies in 1999 showed that Olestra helps to remove dioxins. Dioxins are polluting chemicals known to increase the likelihood of cancer. It seems that the olestra molecules bind to dioxins and rids the body of them similar to how regular fats do.
What are the Specific Risks
There are some side effects to the regular ingestion of Olestra. Some of these are:
- It can produce intestinal discomfort
- It may enable a tendency in some to overeat since this is a “good” fat
- It does interfere with some vitamin (and other important substances) absorption, however, goods made with this product are most often fortified to compensate for this
What are the Benefits?
- It passes through the digestive system without being absorbed and adds no calories
- It can play a role in the promotion of a healthier eating regimen for overall wellness
- It can form a part of a permanent weight reduction diet developed with your healthcare providers
Who Should Not Use Olestra?
Anyone one with irritable bowel disease or other serious gastrointestinal tract disorders should check with their doctors or nutritionists before using these and similar products.
