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Which of the following is true about Olestra?

A) It cannot be digested, therefore it leaves the body.
B) It is not approved for use by the FDA.
C) It cannot be used for frying.
D) It does provide kcalories but not as many as fat provides.

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

The correct statement about Olestra is that it cannot be digested, and thus exits the body undigested. Fats after digestion cannot directly enter the bloodstream due to their large size, requiring transport by chylomicrons. Obesity is linked to the higher calorie content of fats compared to proteins and carbohydrates.

Step-by-step explanation:

The true statement about Olestra is that it cannot be digested and so it leaves the body undigested. Olestra is a fat substitute that the FDA approved for use in certain food products. Its chemical structure makes it too large and too tightly packed to be broken down by the digestive enzymes in our stomach and small intestine, leading to its excretion without being absorbed, and thus providing no calories to the consumer.

Fats cannot be released directly into the bloodstream after digestion because they are large molecules that first need to be broken down into smaller components like fatty acids and glycerol. These smaller molecules are then transported by chylomicrons through the lymphatic system into the bloodstream because fats are not water-soluble and cannot move easily in water-based blood.

Obesity is a health condition where excess body fat accumulates to an extent that it may hurt health. It is known that fat contains more calories than protein or carbohydrates, aiding in the condition that calorie intake exceeds expenditure.

User Lee Campbell
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