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What Are Carb Blockers?

Originally designed to help control diabetes, carb blockers, also called starch blockers, work by preventing an enzyme commonly found in saliva from breaking down starches as they are consumed. Because the starches are not broken down for digestion, they were thought to pass through the body rather than being digested and absorbed. They are often marketed to people trying to lose weight by reducing carbohydrate intake.

  1. Carb Blockers

    • Carb or starch blockers are formulated from compounds called amylase inhibitors that prevent the enzyme amylase from binding with and breaking down carbohydrates in the digestive tract. These inhibitors are derived from plants in the legume family, usually white kidney beans. Other amylase inhibitors are derived from wheat.

    Uses

    • Carb blockers have been used for obesity and diabetes control. While studies conducted in the 1980s concluded that carb blockers may be beneficial in treating diabetes, no human studies exist to conclusively support their use for either condition. Because supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, you can buy carb blockers over-the-counter.

    Effectiveness

    • In a small study of non-obese men published in 1983 in "Science," and another study published in 1982 in the "New England Journal of Medicine," researchers concluded that a commercial alpha-amylase inhibitor had no effect on starch digestion or absorption. A later study, conducted in 1998 and published in "Pancreas," found that while amylase inhibitors delayed carbohydrate absorption, the overall effect on carbohydrate absorption was minimal. However, the inhibitors did produce a reduction in blood glucose concentrations after meals. Therefore, researchers concluded that carb blockers may be useful in controlling diabetes. No studies exist investigating the long-term effects of using a carb blocker.

    Side Effects

    • Because carb blockers may delay digestion of carbohydrates, they are delivered undigested to your colon where they are broken down by bacteria. Hydrogen, carbon dioxide and, in some cases, methane are the by-products of this process. You may experience excess gas, bloating or diarrhea.

    Common Names

    • Manufacturers market carb blockers under the name Carb Blocker, Ultra Carb Starch Blocker, Carbohydrate Blocker and others. Some carb blockers include digestive enzymes, such as lipase and protease, to aid digestion. Because carb blockers are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, manufacturers cannot make claims about their efficacy.

    Warning

    • Always consult your doctor when considering supplements to attempt to treat any disease or medical condition.

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