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.
In order for fat or triglyceride to be absorbed it must first be digested by the pancreatic enzyme lipase. If the lipase activity is decreased then the dietary triglyceride passes through to the large bowel without being absorbed. There are, however, side effects to the use of lipase inhibitors: if dietary fat is not restricted, the free fat that passes into the large bowel will precipitate side effects. Unlike lipase inhibitors FBCx forms a stable complex with the dietary fat which prevents lipase from digesting the triglyceride and the normal gut flora from using it as a carbon source, thus preventing the side effects of the lipase inhibitors.
There are no known negative side effects3 except for, as it is a dietary fiber, gas if you take it without having fat in your meal.
Animal and human studies are consistent with each other in demonstrating positive side benefits to taking FBCx.
- Lower blood (LDL or bad) low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels
- Lower blood triglyceride levels
- Preferentially lowers blood saturated fat and trans fat levels
- Increased insulin sensitivity
- Increased leptin sensitivity – increased satiety
- Improved glycemic index of foods and improved glycemic control
- Resolves chronic diarrhea and constipation immediately (anecdotal evidence)