The Lab
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, 2026

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

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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