Starch blockers--still no calorie-free lunch
1982
Commentary is provided on the published findings of a 1-day study indicating the lack of effectiveness of starch-blocker tablets in inhibiting caloric uptake from starch ingestion, and on other reported work concerning the use and efficacy of these tablets. The long-term effectiveness of these tablets was not disproved by the 1-day study, but there are no detailed clinical studies that establish the effectiveness or safety of the more than 200 such products which were being consumed at a rate of about 1 million tablets/day. These products were marketed as foods or dietary supplements for calorie-conscious consumers, not as drugs. In response to product claims and consumer complaints, the US FDA decided to declare these products as drugs in July 1982, and requested that their marketing be stopped until they were shown to be safe and effective. This decision was upheld in federal court. Commerical response to marketing such products as foods (rather than drugs) without effectiveness testing is discussed. (wz)
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