The Olestra Molecule and Fake Fat - Essay Example

Procter & Gamble named its product "olestra." Chemically, olestra is a sucrose (table sugar) molecule to which are esterified as many as eight fatty-acid residues” (par. 1). The main advantage of olestra, therefore, is to provide fewer calories for foods that use this as a synthetic product so that it passes through the body system unchanged and not digested (Kennesaw State University, par. 1). Procter and Gamble, its maker, stipulates the following benefits: “contributes zero total fat, zero saturated fat, and zero trans fat and as a result can assist individuals trying to eliminate fat, calories and trans fat from their diets by offering unique health and taste benefits” (par. 2)

However, the CSPI, has revealed several disadvantages of food intake using olestra as additives, to wit: (1) the effect of depleting blood vessels with crucial fat-soluble substances, particularly carotenoids (found to lower risks of cancer); (2) found to cause gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, fecal urgency, and more frequent and looser bowel movement; (3) causes underwear staining due to anal leakage; (4) insufficient information on potential risks to vulnerable segments of the population (people over 44 years of age and with poor nutritional status); (5) potential increased problems of carcinogenicity; and (6) any potential benefits supposedly offered are offset by more risks of using it (CSPI, 1).