Specimen No. 0191
AvoidSyntheticfood banned near banned processing agents
Olestra / Olean
Olestra · Olean
Master DB rating: Avoid. Listed for: Fat-free snack chips
medium confidence
Researched July 7, 2026Specimen 0191Olestra / Olean
Concerns
- Causes dose-responsive decreases in absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K (Thomson et al. 1998 clinical review); a free-living population surveillance study found smaller real-world effects than lab studies predicted (Thornquist et al. 2000)
- Causes gastrointestinal effects (loose stools, cramping) in some consumers; FDA required a GI warning label from 1996 and removed it in 2003 after concluding real-world consumption data no longer supported it
Regulatory flags
- ⚑IARC Class: NL
- ⚑EDC Status: None
- ⚑Regulatory: US: permitted; GI warning label removed 2003; EU: no authorization
- ⚑Evidence Grade: A
Commonly found in
Fat-free snack chips
Sources & references
Last researched: July 7, 2026
Research disclaimer: This rating is based on available peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments at the time of publication. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for personal health or skin concerns.
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