Alpha-cyclodextrin

Alpha-Cyclodextrin

Alpha-cyclodextrin is a natural, soluble dietary fiber. It is sold under the brand name CAVAMAX® W6 and FBCx for use as an ingredient. It has the unique ability among known fibers to bind nine times its own weight in fat. Although many dietary fibers appear to bind fat on a 1:1 ratio alpha-cyclodextrin is the only one that binds on a 1:9 (fiber:fat) ratio. As the molecular weight of the fiber and triglycerides are about the same, it would appear to follow that the cyclodextrin is actually forming a layer on the surface of the fat droplets. Bochot et al.. have lent evidence to this theory by demonstrating that it is possible to produce “beads” with oily compartments by mixing an aqueous solution of the fiber with soybean oil albeit under somewhat more vigorous conditions than occur in the human stomach. This high ratio of binding makes alpha-cyclodextrin practical as a weight loss supplement.