Carb Blockers

Over the last few years the popularity of very low carb diets has blossomed. In particular the Atkins diet has become incredibly popular, despite the unanswered impact on long-term health.

This fad has created a distrust of carbohydrates. Some people see carbs as being fat causing.

Not surprisingly, many enterprising supplement and nutrition manufacturers have seen an opportunity. And along come "Carb-Blocker pills" (formerly called starch blockers) - a kind of diet pill that claims to let you eat carbs, but not have the consequences. We can't help viewing this with some cynicism. Quotes like "Do the Atkins diet without the diet" are just plain silly.

Do you need a Carb Blocker pill?

Taking a carb blocker means you have decided that a very low carb diet is for you.

A few points to think about -

Carbohydrates are the bodies primary energy source.
Very low carb diets have helped some people achieve short term weight loss - but may not be a good choice for long term health.
Do not start a low carb diet without making sure you are fully informed (see the article Low Carb Intelligence).
When it comes to carbs that are fattening - think "refined" carbs - like white flour, white sugar, soft drinks, white bread, etc.
There is some credibility with carb blockers due to their relationship with Diabetes research (see below).
Carb Blocker pills only make some sense for people who are on a low carb diet, but who struggle to maintain the low carb regimen (e.g. you just can't resist the fries or bread).
I know we all want quick-fixes, but remember that often the quick-fixes may work in the short term, but 1 or 2 years later you can find yourself back where you started.

Do Carb Blockers work?

This is a difficult question to answer.

Most Carb Blockers are composed of an extract of Phaseolus Vulgaris (botanical name for the kidney bean). The pills are often supplemented with other ingredients such as chromium, vanadium, and fenugreek.

The premise of carb blockers is that they will prevent the enzyme alpha-amylase from binding with starches. This enzyme is produced in saliva and will break down the carbohydrates into molecules that the body will absorb. By preventing this process from happening, the carbohydrate will pass through the body.

Some of the study into carb blockers pills came out of Diabetes research, to help the diabetic control their insulin response. Most manufacturers cite clinical trials, but these are conducted internally and are not peer reviewed.

In some ways we really only have anecdotal evidence to go by. This is generally the case with most diet supplements.

Only you can determine if a carb blocker can work for you.

Where can you get Carb Blockers?

Drugstore.com stock a range - at 33% discount.