According to these laws, a food additive can be approved if it carries a reasonable certainty of no harm when used as intended. Since the food manufacturer has corrected the nutrient-blocking effect by fortifying snack foods and the gastrointestinal problems were not deemed to be significant, the product has been approved. Olestra may cause abdominal cramping and loose stools. Olestra inhibits the absorption of some vitamins and other nutrients. Vitamins A, D, E and K have been added.
Natural fats do have many roles in the diet, but too much fat can be harmful.
Nearly a third of all Americans are obese. The combination of high fat diets, extra weight, and too little exercise has been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and several types of cancer. For these reasons, many Americans are trying to reduce their fat intake and are doing so by consuming more of the reduced-fat products on the market. The benefits claimed for Olestra are taste retention combined with fat reduction. The overall impression is that it can help people lose weight.