The Xyience Xtreme Carb / Fat Blocker product makes two claims — one, to inhibit the absorption of dietary fat, and two, to reduce the absorption of simple carbohydrates by impeding the action of the enzyme alpha amylase. Of course, there are problems with these claims…
The ingredient responsible for blocking carbohydrate absorption (an extract of the white kidney bean called “Phaseolus vulgaris) has been shown to be “somewhat” effective in “in vitro” studies. But that’s a far cry from saying it’s an effective weight loss aid for humans. In fact, a recent UCLA clinical study concluded…
“Clinical trends were identified for weight loss and a decrease in triglycierides, although statistical significance was not reached.”
In other words, Phaseolus vulgaris is hardly a rip-roaring, fat burning success. Perhaps even more alarming is the fact that the U.S. FDA has been actively involved in pursuing companies selling carb and fat blocker products, many based on similar ingredient profiles. Here’s an excerpt from the FDA press release…
“After reviewing the claims of the various products, the FDA concluded that the claims being made regarding these products are not supported by reliable scientific evidence.”
‘Nuff said.
The other main ingredient in the Xtreme Carb / Fat Blocker, called “chitosan” is, according to the Xyience advertising material, very effective at blocking the absorption of fat.
Not so.
A recent study (Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2004 Sep;28(9):1149-56) on the effects of chitosan concluded…
“In this 24-week trial, chitosan treatment did not result in a clinically significant loss of body weight compared with placebo.”
Other ingredients, like Garcinia cambogia (reviewed in detail here) and Gymnema sylvestre extract (in the correct dosage, preliminary evidence seems to indicate this ingredient may affect blood glucose levels by reducing its absorption in the intestines), don’t add huge value to this formula.
In the end, there’s little reason to believe that Xyience’s Xtreme Carb Fat Blocker will be any more effective than any of the similar products that the FDA is actively pursuing for making false and unsubstantiated claims.
