OpinionsExpert Testimonials

Expert Testimonials

"Olestra (Olean^®, Procter & Gamble) is a calorie-free fat substitute that has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Approximately 150 studies, including 43 clinical trials, have been conducted on this product in advance of the FDA approval, making it one of the most thoroughly tested foodstuffs to come to market in America. During its extensive review, safety was the primary factor in FDA approval of olestra...Among the various fat replacers that have been developed, olestra has been the most extensively studied for its effects on fat and energy intake. Combined with exercise and a reduced-calorie diet, fat-modified foods can be an important part of a healthful eating plan."
– American Diabetes Association

"Approximately 150 studies, including 43 clinical trials, have been conducted on this product (Olestra) in advance of FDA approval, making it one of the most thoroughly tested foodstuffs to come to market in America. During its extensive review, safety was the primary factor in FDA approval of Olestra. The FDA continues to monitor approved products on an ongoing basis to provide added assurance of safety. The AMA supports the FDA evaluation and approval process and advocates a balanced diet that is healthful and low in total fat for all Americans."
- American Medical Association

"Fat replacers make it possible for Americans to eat a wide variety of foods without increasing their fat intake, which may already be too high. These products can help consumers achieve a lower-fat diet while still enjoying their favorite foods... Fat replacers like olestra are one of the many acceptable ways to help reduce the amount of fat and calories in your diet."
- American Dietetic Association

"Olestra is the generic name for hexa-, hepta- and octa-esters of sucrose - trade name Olean (Procter & Gamble). It is intended as a fat substitute in foods and in processing since it is not digested or absorbed and passes through the body unchanged. It thus has the potential to reduce the intake of dietary fats as is recommended by various health authorities. It also has a small effect on reducing blood levels of cholesterol and possibly some limited potential in reducing energy intake."
- Institute of Food Science and Technology

"All Americans can feel confident in the safety of snacks made with olestra. As a former Secretary of Health and Human Services, I am aware of the intense scrutiny new food ingredients like olestra are subject to before they are approved by the FDA. The FDA with input from the many respected experts including the National Cancer Institute carefully reviewed more than 25 years of research supporting olestra's safety."
- Louis Sullivan, MD
President, Morehouse School of Medicine

“I found that before trying snacks made with Olean, almost everybody says they are too good to be true, but after they crunch into potato chips made with Olean, they realize that in fact, they're truly good, period."
- Antonio M. Gotto, Jr., MD, PhD
Chairman, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine

"Foods with Olean taste great so they will help us significantly cut our fat intake in a very consumer-friendly way."
Marilyn Harris
Cookbook author and culinary expert

"Millions of Americans are making a good effort to follow public health recommendations and eat less fat. But many are struggling and progress has been slow. Olean can help because it clearly opens up new low-fat food choices for consumers where they haven't had them before… Olestra is not only safe for kids to eat, but for some children, such as overweight children, it's much better than full-fat snacks. The FDA's panel of experts, which included pediatric experts also concluded olestra is safe for kids."
- William J. Klish, MD
Professor of Pediatrics, Head of Pediatric Nutrition and Gastroenterolgy College of Medicine

“Olestra is an innovative product developed over the last 25 years to meet a real public health need -- reducing fat and saturated fat in our diet. This is important for reducing risks of heart disease and certain cancers, and for reducing weight."
- Gilbert S. Omenn, M.D., Ph.D., Professor and Dean
School of Public Health & Community Medicine, University of Washington

The expert views expressed above do not necessarily imply endorsements.