Olestra
Level 4 — Significant concernsIn Winter's Dictionary
Olestra is a other — Fat substitute (sucrose polyester); cannot be digested; zero calories
Also: Sucrose Polyester, Olean
What it does
Fat substitute (sucrose polyester); cannot be digested; zero calories
Where you'll see it
potato chips, baked desserts (Procter & Gamble products), savory snacks
What the research says
Causes abdominal cramping and loose stools in some individuals. Inhibits body's absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K. Long-term effects of replacing major dietary fat unknown.
Benefits
Zero calories; tastes/cooks like fat
Regulatory status
- US FDA: EAF
- Notes: FDA approved 1996; requires vitamin A, D, E, K addition to compensate for inhibited absorption; 2003 label warning requirement removed
Sources
- A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): A fat substitute developed by Procter & Gamble that cannot be digested... may cause abdominal cramping and loose stools in some individuals