Carb Blockers

Carb Blockers are commonly presented & sold as Formulated Supplementary Sports Foods in Australia - Quite possibly one of the most publicised “evils” when it comes to fat gain is carbohydrates. Those who train professionally will know that carbs are not necessarily a bad thing & may even supplement them for energy purposes. However, carbohydrate supplementation is generally only beneficial for bodybuilders & athletes who are training enough to burn through it. With all the hype surrounding carbs, it’s no surprise that scientists came up with a way to effectively “block” their effects. The purpose of carb blockers, or starch blockers, is to prevent carbs from being stored as fat, by blocking their absorption once entering the body. The intent is to cause weight loss, but this product is also popular for weight maintenance

The primary ingredient in many carb blocker products is a white kidney bean extract named phaseolus vulgaris. Its function is to stop carbs from being converted into glucose & fat by disrupting the process of an enzyme in the body called alpha-amylase. Alpha-amylase is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into glucose. By interfering with alpha-amylase, carb blockers will theoretically ensure that carbohydrates are excreted from the body before entering the bloodstream & being stored as fat.^1,2,3 The average carb blocker claims to block up to 30 to 45 grams of carbohydrates from being broken down into glucose & fat. Carb blockers essentially decrease the user’s calorie intake, so this type of product is mainly suited to anyone wanting to lose weight or for anyone who puts on weight easily after consuming carbohydrates. Predominantly available in capsule form, it is recommended that users take carb blockers just before meals, particularly meals high in carbohydrates at a dosage of at least 450mg. As carbohydrates provide the body with energy via glucose, a carb blocker user is also reducing the amount of energy that their body receives and so may benefit from stacking carb blockers with energy promoting supplements such as pre-workouts or specialised energy supplements containing B vitamins, magnesium and iron to name a few ingredients.

Carb blocking supplements are not a sole source of nutrition and should be used in conjunction with an appropriate physical training or exercise programme. Not suitable for children or pregnant women. Should only be used under medical or dietetic supervision. Always read label prior to use.