Carb (carbohydrate) blockers are designed to prevent the body from absorbing and metabolizing carbohydrates from foods we eat. Often used by dieters hoping to drop weight quickly, carb blockers can be effective with short-term (a few days) use, but prolonged use may cause a variety of side effects. Most carb blockers severely reduce or limit the creation of alpha-amylase, which is a starchy, digesting enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates in the body, resulting in most carbohydrates moving through the digestive tract undigested, which is believed to reduce weight. However, carb blockers may also create unpleasant side effects that range from simply embarrassing to downright uncomfortable and even dangerous.
Gas
Excessive gas is one of the most common side effects of carb blockers caused by the body's inability to absorb and digest carbohydrates found in most foods. Gas may or may not be accompanied by bloating and lower abdominal discomfort and tenderness. Buildup of gas and bloating is often caused by wheat germ or bean extracts contained in most carb blockers.
Upset Stomach
People taking carb blockers often complain of a queasy or unsettled stomach, and other symptoms of upset stomach including nausea.
Heartburn
Many people taking carb blockers complain of heartburn, perhaps caused by the upset in balance of digestive enzymes present in the stomach and digestive tract by using such products.
Diarrhea
People taking carb blockers are cautioned to severely limit intake of carbs. If they don't keep their carb intake below 30 to 40g, sudden diarrhea after eating may occur.
Interference with Vitamin Absorption
Many of the vitamins the body needs are fat soluble, which means they need fat to absorb into the body. Such vitamins as A, D, E, F and K are among them, and are essential for optimal function of organs and tissues found throughout the body. A deficiency of these vitamins may lead to health problems such as anemia, skin conditions, and inability of the blood to clot. Good fats such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are good for heart health, are also blocked by carb blockers, which may lead to detrimental medical conditions such as high cholesterol and blood pressure.
