Olestra, also called olean, is an artificial fat used in snacks produced by Proctor & Gamble. The use of olestra in such products does not add any additional grams of fat or calories to the product. This is because when olestra is consumed, its massive structure of six to eight fatty acids attached to sucrose cannot be broken down by digestive enzymes and therefore cannot be absorbed into the blood stream. Instead, olestra is simply washed out of the body.

Although olestra may seem like a miracle fat, it may cause numerous problems. For example, common effects include cramps, loose stools, and diarrhea. A more serious effect is the lower absorption of vitamins and carotenoids (derivatives of vitamins believed to lower the risk of many cancers) by the body when olestra is consumed. This is because vitamins and carotenoids attach themselves to fats as a means of reaching cells.

However, since olestra is washed out of the body, the vitamins and carotenoids attached to it are also washed out.

 

 

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