How Do Carb Blockers Work? (Are They Really Effective?)

Carb blockers - also called starch blockers, are dietary supplements that prevent the digestion of complex carbs. By blocking carb digestion, carb blockers may aid with weight loss and improve overall health.

Carbohydrates can be classified into two groups: simple carbs and complex carbs.

Simple carbohydrates are small chains of sugar molecules found in foods such as milk, fruits, ice cream, and candy. These simple sugars are rapidly absorbed by the body and grant quick bursts of energy.

Starch blockers, unfortunately, do not block carbs of this type as they are quickly absorbed once ingested.

Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, are made up of long chains of simple carbs. Complex carbs are slower to digest and typically found in whole grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables.

Compared to simple carbs, complex carbohydrates are composed of larger, more complex chains of sugar molecules. This complexity allows them to withstand instantly being absorbed by the body.

As a result, they must go through the digestive tract and be broken down by the digestive enzyme alpha-amylase.

Carb blockers prevent the body from producing this enzyme. As a result, the undigested starch passes through the body without contributing any calories, as it is not absorbed.

Lastly, carb blockers come in two types: 

• white kidney bean extract made from white kidney beans and
• alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs).

AGIs are a form of diabetic medication used in the treatment of type II diabetes.

Both of these blockers accomplish the same result. The only difference is that white bean extract inhibits amylase production in the mouth and the pancreas, while AGIs target alpha-glucosidase enzymes in the small intestines.

Carb blockers offer a number of benefits, such as helping with weight loss, managing blood sugar, and increasing the body’s resistance to starches.

1. Weight Loss

Carb blocking supplements have shown to provide significant results with weight loss and fat management. That makes them an effective weight loss supplement on top of preventing carbohydrate absorption.

Most issues surrounding obesity and excessive body fat are due to an unhealthy obsession with diets rich in starch.

These supplements minimize the number of carbs absorbed into the body, reducing overall calories and managing body weight.

In addition to reducing carb absorption, a carb blocker also affects the hormones responsible for hunger and appetite control.

Carb blockers increase the concentration of satiety hormones while suppressing the hunger hormone ghrelin.

A reduced appetite further aids in reducing the amount of calories ingested in a day and can help lose a few extra pounds.

Scientists also support these claims. For example, one rat study found that rats ate significantly lesser food amounts when given carb blockers alongside their meals [2].

By inhibiting digestive enzymes, carb blocking supplements slow down the carb digestion process, helping people feel full for longer durations.

The most common gastrointestinal side effects when taking this dietary supplement include bloating, low blood sugar, stomach cramping, diarrhea, and gas.

These gastrointestinal side effects are a result of the rapid change in starch digestion and occur due to gut bacteria found in the large intestine.

Due to the increased amount of resistant starch, our bodies find it difficult at first to ferment all of it.

As a result, the digestion process releases gases, which can be uncomfortable for the gastrointestinal system.

To manage these effects, start with a small dose and work your way up as your body builds tolerance.

These side effects are short-lived and eventually clear out with time, as the body breaks them down, and the carbs pass out.

Additionally, carb blockers are not as strictly regulated as other supplements. So if you’re planning to use them as weight loss supplements, make sure the supplement manufacturers are reputable and can be trusted.

Although carbohydrate blockers are an effective way to manage carbs, they are still supplements and should not be substituted for a healthy lifestyle.

Sticking to a healthy balanced diet and regular working out are the only ways to achieve long-term success in weight management and optimal health.

Below are some natural alternatives to carb blockers.