Carb Blockers (Starch Blockers)
What are Carb Blockers?
According to the makers, carb blocker supplements (also called starch-blockers) prevent a certain percentage of the carbohydrates we eat from being metabolized and digested. This reduces carbohydrate and calorie intake, reduces fat storage and promotes weight loss.
How do Carb Blocker Supplements Work?
In theory, starch or carbohydrate-blockers inhibit production of alpha-amylase - the body's starch-digesting enzyme. Typically, the main active ingredient of carb blockers is phaseolamin, a substance extracted from white kidney beans, which. interferes with alpha-amylase, the enzyme in the digestive system that breaks down carbohydrates into sugar. In theory, the blocking action of the phaseolamin causes many carbs to pass undigested through the digestive tract. Some supplements also include other nutritional ingredients (eg. chromium, vanadium), which supposedly improve blood-glucose control and weight reduction. Not surprisingly, sales of carbohydrate blockers have paralleled the popularity of low carb dieting.
Do Carb Blockers or Starch Blockers Work?
According to the makers of carb blockers, the tablets prevent between 30 and 45 grams of carbohydrates from entering the body. According to critics, carb blockers may work in the laboratory, but they are broken down by the digestive system before they can effectively prevent alpha-amylase from metabolizing carbs.
What are the Possible Side Effects of Carb Blockers?
Makers of carb blockers list side effects such as gastrointestinal distress, heartburn, excessive gas and diarrhea.
Carb Blocker Trials
Little clinical evidence exists to support the idea that starch blockers can effectively inhibit carb-uptake. In view of this, rather than spend $15-30 on a bottle of these dietary supplements, it might be better to simply reduce the amount of carbohydrates in your diet. We leave the issue up to you.
