Why fat blockers aren’t as good as they sound
The role that fats play in our diet is a source of ongoing confusion – largely due to the mainstream media’s stubborn focus on the idea that “low-fat” equals good health. Add to that the misguided mindset that cholesterol must be lowered at all costs, and it’s easy to understand why confused consumers often make dietary choices that are anything but healthy.
For instance, an HSI member named DJL recently sent an e-mail with these questions about a dietary dilemma:
“Is there a truly effective – not harmful to the body – over-the-counter product that blocks fat absorption by the intestines? I’ve noticed that my blood pressure is in direct proportion to my cholesterol count (but not the other way around). If I need to reduce the blood cholesterol level, my blood pressure is also up – though not into the danger zone. I would really really like to be able to use a fat blocker to aid with weight reduction. Can you help?”
Yes we can. I asked HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., if he had any advice for DJL, and he came through with some very specific recommendations that manage to cut through the confusion about the importance of dietary fats.
“The agent called chitosan, derived from chitin, blocks absorption of fat in the intestines, no question about it. The agent itself is not toxic, is not a drug, and remains basically inert within the system. However, in few circumstances would I personally use it.
“Blocking fat absorption sounds like a neat idea. Unfortunately, you run into two other problems when you try it: 1.) It also blocks absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K); and 2.) It blocks intake of essential fatty acids. These are nutrient deficiency risks I personally don’t want to toy with. If I were going to a fish fry or something, and I knew I was going to go nuts eating a large intake of unnatural, hydrogenated oils, if I had some natural fat blocker handy I might take it under those circumstances.
“There are fats we want and need in the body. Concerning cholesterol levels I have not found lowering fat intake to be the answer. In fact, when I put people on the Atkins diet (high fat, low carbohydrate) I found the majority with high cholesterol levels ended up with them lower (in many cases a lot lower). This is not universal, but occurred about two-thirds of the time. Serum triglycerides, on the other hand, came down on the same diet almost all the time, and I found this level more related to blood pressure, and I also consider it more related to true cardiovascular risk (along with serum homocysteine levels, which are even more important, in my opinion).
“Policosanol, niacin (vitamin B-3), vitamin C, low carbohydrate intake (and other non-toxic efforts) tend to be far more powerful tools against cholesterol levels than blocking fat, anyway. Usually, blood pressure tends to drop when they’re used. When these tools aren’t enough, the addition of calcium and magnesium, along with avoidance of allergic foods and anything that stimulates insulin release (sugars, refined flours) often makes up the difference.”
As hard as many people work to keep their weight down and manage their blood pressure and blood sugar levels, they certainly deserve some sort of short cut to help them out. But, as Dr. Spreen has made clear (once again), the only real way to achieve optimal health is to stick with the fundamentals.
To Your Good Health,
Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute
