Keto Carb Blocker: How Does It Work?

Carb blockers are dietary supplements that prevent the body from digesting and absorbing carbohydrates. They are often marketed as weight loss aids and blood sugar control solutions. Carb blockers work by inhibiting the production of enzymes that break down complex carbohydrates, such as starches and dietary fibre, into simple sugars. By disrupting the digestion process, carb blockers prevent the body from absorbing the calories and glucose from these carbohydrates. This mechanism can aid in weight loss and improve blood sugar control, making it beneficial for people with diabetes. However, it's important to note that carb blockers only affect complex carbohydrates and have no impact on simple carbs like sucrose, glucose or fructose, which are commonly found in processed foods. While research supports the potential benefits of carb blockers, it's crucial to use them alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise for optimal results.

How do keto carb blockers work?

Carb blockers, also known as starch blockers, are dietary supplements that prevent the body from digesting and absorbing carbohydrates. They inhibit the production of enzymes that break down complex carbohydrates, specifically alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. By blocking these enzymes, carb blockers prevent the breakdown of complex carbs into simple sugars that can be absorbed into the bloodstream. This results in reduced caloric intake and blood sugar spikes, which can aid in weight loss and blood sugar control.

Carb blockers primarily contain compounds extracted from white kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), which is a natural blocker of the enzyme alpha-amylase. This extract has been studied for its potential benefits in weight loss and blood sugar control. Research shows that consuming 500 to 3000 mg of white kidney bean extract per day can induce weight loss and reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes. Additionally, it has been found to decrease fat mass while preserving lean body mass.

Other natural ingredients like green tea extract and chromium are sometimes included in carb blockers to enhance their effectiveness. However, white kidney bean extract remains the most common ingredient due to its known ability to block carbs.

While carb blockers may offer benefits, it's important to note that they only prevent the breakdown of complex carbohydrates, not simple carbs like sucrose, glucose, or fructose. Therefore, they are not a solution for indulging in sugary treats. Additionally, they may cause digestive discomfort and minor side effects like gas, bloating, and changes in bowel movements.

Overall, carb blockers can be a tool for managing weight and blood sugar, but they should be used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise. It's also crucial to purchase them from reputable brands and follow the usage instructions to ensure safety and effectiveness.

What are the ingredients?

There are two primary forms of carb blockers with different ingredients.

The first is known as alpha-amylase inhibitors and they are usually sold as weight loss supplements. The main ingredient in these types of carb blockers is white kidney bean extract, which is also known as Phaseolus vulgaris extract. This natural source of alpha-amylase inhibitor has been studied relatively extensively for its potential benefits in weight loss and glycemic control.

Research shows that white kidney bean extract has a low glycemic index and slows the absorption of carbohydrates by inhibiting enzymes responsible for their digestion. Specifically, white kidney bean extract helps induce weight loss when taken in the amount of 500 to 3000 mg per day and reduces the postprandial spike in blood sugar levels. Additional research shows that white kidney bean extract significantly decreases fat mass and helps preserve lean body mass.

The second type of carb blocker comes in prescription form and is referred to as an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor or an AGI. Most AGI’s are used to treat type 2 diabetes or people with impaired glucose tolerance. Research shows that they are derived from bacteria and delay the absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine, which lowers postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels to help control and prevent diabetes. The most common types of AGIs that are available for prescription use include acarbose, voglibose, and miglitol.

Although you can’t get ahold of an AGI without a prescription, you can easily find white kidney bean extract at any health food store. You can also look into taking Salacia, a plant extract sold in supplement form that works just like an AGI. Research shows that Salacia extract significantly lowers glucose and insulin, which plays an important role in reducing postprandial hyperglycemia.

What are the benefits?

Carb blockers are dietary supplements that inhibit the body's ability to digest and absorb carbohydrates. They are particularly effective in blocking the digestion of starch, a complex carbohydrate. By preventing the breakdown of complex carbs into simple sugars, carb blockers reduce the total caloric intake and help stabilise blood sugar levels. This makes them a beneficial supplement for weight loss and blood sugar control, especially for people with diabetes.

Carb blockers are usually made from natural, plant-based chemicals, with the main ingredient often being white kidney bean extract, also known as Phaseolus vulgaris. This natural source of alpha-amylase inhibitor has been extensively studied for its potential benefits in weight loss and blood sugar control.

Research has shown that white kidney bean extract can induce weight loss, reduce fat mass, and help preserve lean body mass. One study found that participants who took 1000 mg of white kidney bean extract before meals for four weeks lost more weight and had a more significant reduction in waist size compared to the placebo group. Another study showed that participants who took a white kidney bean extract supplement along with a carbohydrate-rich diet experienced decreases in body weight, BMI, fat mass, and body measurements while maintaining their lean body mass.

In addition to weight loss, carb blockers have been found to offer other health benefits. They can help reduce oxidative stress, increase satiety, and improve appetite control. Carb blockers also act similarly to resistant starch in the body, aiding in gut health like fibre.

While carb blockers are generally considered safe for healthy adults when used as directed, they may cause some minor digestive discomfort due to the increased amount of undigested starch entering the large intestine. This can result in minor side effects such as gas, bloating, and changes in bowel movements.

Overall, carb blockers have the potential to provide benefits such as weight loss, blood sugar control, and improved gut health. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new dietary supplement.

Are there any side effects?

Carb blockers are generally considered safe for healthy adults, but some side effects may occur. These side effects are usually gastrointestinal and can include bloating, gas, stomach pain, and changes in bowel movements. These side effects are typically mild and short-lived, but some people may experience digestive issues such as IBS or Crohn's disease, which can be exacerbated by carb blockers.

It is important to note that carb blockers are not suitable for everyone. Individuals with diabetes should be cautious when using carb blockers as they can affect blood sugar levels. Pregnant or nursing women are advised to avoid carb blockers unless recommended by a healthcare provider, as there is limited research on the effects of carb blockers on this population.

Additionally, carb blockers may cause you to develop bad habits when it comes to carbohydrate intake, such as including more "cheat" meals in your diet. It is recommended to focus on a healthy ketogenic diet and get your carbs from low-carb vegetables and berries instead of relying on carb blockers.

Overall, while carb blockers may be a useful tool for some people, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and take them with caution.

Should keto dieters take them?

Carb blockers are dietary supplements that inhibit the body's ability to digest and absorb carbohydrates, specifically targeting starches and complex carbohydrates. They are often marketed as weight loss aids and blood sugar control solutions, with the promise that users can eat carbs without absorbing the calories or experiencing blood sugar spikes.

The main ingredient in most carb blocker supplements is white kidney bean extract, also known as Phaseolus vulgaris extract. This natural source of alpha-amylase inhibitor prevents the enzyme from turning complex carbs into simple sugars, thus inhibiting their digestion and absorption.

So, should keto dieters take carb blockers? While carb blockers may seem like an appealing solution to indulge in carb-heavy meals while still reaping the benefits of ketosis, there are several considerations to keep in mind:

Effectiveness

Carb blockers only prevent a portion of carb-digesting enzymes from being active, ranging from 50-65% inhibition. This means that even with carb blockers, a significant percentage of carbohydrates will still be digested and absorbed, providing calories and potentially affecting blood sugar levels.

Additionally, the complex carbs that carb blockers target make up only a part of most people's diets. Processed foods, which are often a bigger contributor to weight gain and blood sugar issues, contain simple carbs like sucrose, glucose, and fructose, which are not affected by carb blockers.

Weight Loss Claims

Some studies have shown that carb blockers can lead to weight loss, with participants losing between 2-5.5 lbs (0.95-2.5 kg) more than control groups. However, other studies found no significant difference in weight loss between those taking carb blockers and those who didn't, creating conflicting results.

It's important to note that the weight loss observed in these studies was relatively modest, and the average weight loss for those eating a carb-rich diet was still just 4.4-6.6 lbs (2-3 kg) on average.

Appetite Suppression

Carb blockers may also have an impact on appetite suppression by affecting hormones involved in hunger and fullness. Some studies in rats found that carb blockers decreased food intake, but this effect was short-lived, and the rats eventually returned to their previous eating habits and weight.

Blood Sugar Control

One of the primary benefits touted by carb blocker manufacturers is their ability to control blood sugar spikes after meals. By inhibiting the digestion of complex carbs, carb blockers can prevent or slow down the release of glucose into the bloodstream, resulting in more stable blood sugar levels.

However, it's important to note that this benefit is only relevant for the percentage of carbs that are affected by carb blockers, and it does not negate the impact of simple carbs on blood sugar levels.

Side Effects

Carb blockers are generally considered safe for healthy adults when used appropriately and purchased from reputable brands. However, they may cause minor digestive discomfort due to the increased amount of undigested starch passing into the large intestine. This can lead to gas, bloating, and changes in bowel movements.

Additionally, carb blockers may interact with diabetes medications, potentially leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if the medication dosage is not adjusted.

Developing Bad Habits

Using carb blockers while on a keto diet can promote the development of bad habits. Instead of encouraging the discipline and commitment required by the keto diet, carb blockers give the impression that it's acceptable to “cheat” and consume more carbohydrates than recommended.

Alternative Approaches

Rather than relying on carb blockers, keto dieters should focus on making smart food choices and sticking to a well-balanced keto diet. This means getting your carbohydrates from low-carb vegetables like spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and zucchini, as well as enjoying berries in moderation. These food sources provide essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, which are beneficial for overall health.

In conclusion, while carb blockers may offer some benefits in weight management and blood sugar control, their effectiveness is limited and they come with potential side effects. For keto dieters, the best approach is to stick to a disciplined keto diet, as this will provide more comprehensive health benefits without the risks associated with carb blockers.

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