Olestra (Olean™) is a synthetic oil (liquid fat) that passes through the gastrointestinal tract without being digested or absorbed. As far as the human body is concerned, olestra is no-calorie fat. Olestra has been approved for limited use in the U.S.
(on January 24, 1996).
It sounds great: imagine eating French Fries without fat! It is now conceivable, thanks to a food product called olestra. The U.S. FDA has decided that olestra is safe enough for consumers to decide for themselves whether to use it. "Potato chips, crackers, tortilla chips or other snacks made with olestra will be lower in fat and calories than snacks made with traditional fats," said the FDA in its statement approving olestra's use.
Like natural oils, olestra has a creamy, tongue-pleasing texture. But olestra can trigger intestinal cramping, gas, and loose bowels. It keeps the body from absorbing carotenoids (which are nutrients that may lower the risk of cancer and heart disease). Unless supplemental vitamins are added to it, olestra also reduced the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K. It sometimes causes "anal leakage" with soilage of undergarments. And, while most other artificial food additives are eaten in minute amounts, olestra would be consumed in large amounts. (For example, in potato chips, olestra would account for about one-third, by weight, of the food product.)
Following is a list of pro's and con's about olestra:
Pro's:
- No absorption of calories or fat into the body
- Can be used in deep fat frying
- Tastes about the same as fat
- No effect on the body's absorption of vitamins B and C
- Slight decrease in blood cholesterol levels
Con's:
- Can cause cramps, flatulence, bloating, loose stools and fecal urgency (the need to go right now) (occasionally)
- Anal leakage with soilage of undergarments (rarely)
- Slight aftertaste
- May cause vitamin deficiencies: interferes with the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K (Procter & Gamble plans to add supplemental vitamins to olestra)
- May cause deficiencies of carotenoids
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Part of this information is based on a report in the January 8, 1996 issue of TIME Magazine (Volume 147, No. 2), and part on an Associated Press news release on January 24, 1996.
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