Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Fat, Sugar, and Starch Blocker Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by MediPlan Diet Services

Fat, Sugar, and Starch Blocker label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical With Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Fat, Sugar, and Starch Blocker against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Fat, Sugar, and Starch Blocker is a dietary supplement by MediPlan Diet Services with 7 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for minor burns and skin irritation, wound healing, constipation.Based on those ingredients, 1,324 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Gymnema sylvestre, Cascara Sagrada, Garcinia cambogia extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Fat, Sugar, and Starch Blocker by MediPlan Diet Services

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Fat, Sugar, and Starch Blocker by MediPlan Diet Services — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Fat, Sugar, and Starch Blocker by MediPlan Diet Services

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 7 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (1,300 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains 7 ingredients. The active components are aloe vera extract (a 200:1 concentration), chitosan (a fiber derived from shellfish), cider vinegar, garcinia cambogia extract, gymnema sylvestre (an herbal extract), and cascara sagrada (a stimulant laxative).

There's also a proprietary blend and legume protein concentrate. Together they're formulated to block the absorption of dietary fat, sugar, and starch—though the evidence for how well they work at these goals varies.

The product contains no inactive fillers or binders beyond the capsule itself.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

  • Acne via Aloe Possibly Effective
  • Burns via Aloe Possibly Effective
  • Constipation via Aloe Possibly Effective
  • Diabetes via Aloe Possibly Effective
  • Obesity via Aloe Possibly Effective
Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Acne — rated "Possibly Effective" (Aloe) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Burns — rated "Possibly Effective" (Aloe) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Constipation — rated "Possibly Effective" (Aloe) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Diabetes — rated "Possibly Effective" (Aloe) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Obesity — rated "Possibly Effective" (Aloe) (Natural Medicines).

The evidence for this product's ingredients is mixed and largely insufficient. Aloe vera is rated possibly effective for obesity and diabetes, but most of garcinia cambogia, gymnema sylvestre, and cider vinegar lack reliable evidence to establish whether they actually work.

Chitosan is rated possibly effective for obesity. Cascara sagrada is rated insufficient to rate for constipation, and possibly ineffective for bowel prep.

Overall, we don't have solid data showing that this combination reduces fat, sugar, or starch absorption in humans at the doses in this product.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Aloe Chitosan Apple Cider Vinegar Calabar Bean Garcinia Gymnema Cascara Sagrada

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 7 of the 7 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 7 of 7.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 7 of 7.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Aloe vera extract in this form—the latex (the yellow substance beneath the leaf skin)—can cause serious side effects with long-term use or overuse, including abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, and low potassium. Chitosan is generally well tolerated short-term but may cause constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, and throat dryness.

Cider vinegar in supplement amounts can cause hypokalemia (dangerously low potassium). Garcinia is generally tolerated but rare reports link it to liver injury and, in unusual cases, mania or heart muscle inflammation.

Gymnema is generally well tolerated but can lower blood sugar; one case of hepatitis has been reported. Cascara sagrada, a stimulant laxative, carries real risks with long-term use—low potassium, kidney effects, and weight loss—and is not recommended for regular use.

Aloe vera and cider vinegar are unsafe in pregnancy (aloe can stimulate the uterus and act as a strong laxative; safety data on cider vinegar is insufficient). Chitosan, garcinia, gymnema, and cascara all lack sufficient safety data in pregnancy and are best avoided.

The same applies to breastfeeding for all ingredients except aloe, for which data is specifically limited and laxative effects are a concern.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Aloe Chitosan Apple Cider Vinegar Calabar Bean Garcinia Gymnema Cascara Sagrada

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 7 of the 7 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Calabar Bean, Aloe, Chitosan, Cascara Sagrada, Apple Cider Vinegar, among others.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications; heart-rhythm medications.
  • For scale: 1,325 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check with your pharmacist before using if you take digoxin (Lanoxin) or any heart medication—this is a Major interaction. Also flag any blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin, or other anticoagulants or antiplatelets), diuretic medications (water pills), blood sugar drugs (insulin or diabetes pills), corticosteroids, serotonergic antidepressants, or any drug that puts stress on your liver.

The enzyme-affecting ingredients may also slow or speed how your body clears many other medications.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product combines multiple weight-management and carb-blocking ingredients, but evidence that it actually works is limited, and the interaction and safety profile is complex. If you take any prescription medication—especially heart drugs, blood thinners, diabetes medications, diuretics, or antidepressants—do not use this product without checking with your pharmacist first.

Pregnant or nursing women should avoid it. Talk to your pharmacist before starting, and mention any medical conditions or medications you're on.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 7 of 7 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 23, 2019.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Fat, Sugar, and Starch Blocker, straight from the product label.

Brand MediPlan Diet Services
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 23, 2019
DSLD ID 206837
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses No Claim
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Fat, Sugar, and Starch Blocker by MediPlan Diet Services, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
IngredientAmount% DV
Aloe vera 200:1 extract0 NP--
Chitosan0 NP--
Cider Vinegar0 NP--
Proprietary Blend1300 mg--
Legume Protein concentrate0 NP--
Garcinia cambogia extract0 NP--
Gymnema sylvestre0 NP--
Cascara Sagrada0 NP--

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Fat, Sugar, and Starch Blocker by MediPlan Diet Services label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Fat, Sugar, and Starch Blocker label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Fat, Sugar, and Starch Blocker by MediPlan Diet Services

These are the 7 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Interaction report

Fat, Sugar, and Starch Blocker by MediPlan Diet Services Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Fat, Sugar, and Starch Blocker?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
1,324Drugs
1 Major 910 Moderate 413 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Gymnema sylvestre 851
Cascara Sagrada 745
Garcinia cambogia extract 704
Aloe vera 200:1 extract 461
Legume Protein concentrate 195

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Fat, Sugar, and Starch Blocker interact with 1,324 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

7 of the 7 ingredients in Fat, Sugar, and Starch Blocker interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Gymnema sylvestre Cascara Sagrada Garcinia cambogia extract Aloe vera 200:1 extract Legume Protein concentrate Cider Vinegar Chitosan

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Fat, Sugar, and Starch Blocker with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Gymnema sylvestre6 drug types · 851 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking gymnema with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Gymnema reduces blood glucose levels in some human and animal research. In human studies, it has been shown to enhance the blood glucose lowering effects of hypoglycemic drugs. However, other research in adults with prediabetes or metabolic syndrome suggests that gymnema does not reduce fasting levels of blood glucose. Until more is known, monitor blood glucose levels closely.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, gymnema might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Animal and in vitro research shows that gymnema can inhibit the CYP1A2 enzyme. In one animal study, oral administration of gymnema for 7 days increased the plasma concentrations of phenacetin, a CYP1A2 substrate, by about 1.4-fold and reduced the clearance of phenacetin by about 29%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, gymnema might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Animal research shows that gymnema can induce the CYP2C9 enzyme. In one animal study, gymnema caused a 2.4-fold increase in the clearance of tolbutamide, a CYP2C9 substrate, in rats. In vitro research also shows that gymnema can inhibit CYP2C9.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenacetin

Theoretically, taking gymnema with phenacetin might increase the levels of phenacetin.
Animal research shows that gymnema, administered orally for 7 days, decreases the clearance of phenacetin in a dose-dependent manner by about 21% to 29% and increases plasma levels about 1.3- to 1.4-fold when compared to control.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tolbutamide (Orinase)

Theoretically, taking gymnema with tolbutamide might the decrease levels of tolbutamide.
Animal research shows that gymnema, administered orally for 7 days, increases the clearance of tolbutamide by 2.4-fold when compared to control.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, gymnema might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
One in vitro study using rat liver microsomes shows that gymnema can modestly inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme. However, other in vitro research using human liver microsomes shows that gymnema does not affect CYP3A4 activity. Animal research also shows that gymnema does not alter the function of CYP3A4. In one study in rats, oral administration of gymnema for 7 days did not alter the clearance of amlodipine, a CYP3A4 substrate.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Gymnema sylvestre full monograph & interactions

Cascara Sagrada6 drug types · 745 drugs

Corticosteroids

Theoretically, cascara sagrada might increase the risk of hypokalemia when taken with corticosteroids.
Cascara sagrada has stimulant laxative effects, and long-term use has been associated with hypokalemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, cascara sagrada might cause hypokalemia, potentially increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity.
Cascara sagrada has stimulant laxative effects, and long-term use has been associated with hypokalemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, cascara sagrada might increase the risk of hypokalemia when taken with diuretic drugs.
Cascara sagrada has stimulant laxative effects, and long-term use has been associated with hypokalemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Stimulant Laxatives

Theoretically, cascara sagrada might have additive adverse effects when taken with stimulant laxatives.
Cascara sagrada has stimulant laxative effects and might compound fluid and electrolyte losses when taken with stimulant laxatives.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, cascara sagrada might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.
Cascara sagrada has stimulant laxative effects. In some people, cascara sagrada can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin, increase international normalized ratio (INR), and increase the risk of bleeding.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, cascara sagrada might decrease the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research suggests that cascara sagrada can induce CYP3A4 enzymes, albeit to a much lower degree than rifampin, a known CYP3A4 inducer.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cascara Sagrada full monograph & interactions

Garcinia cambogia extract4 drug types · 704 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main active ingredient in garcinia, might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
HCA inhibits platelet aggregation in vitro. The inhibitory effect seems to be greater in platelets extracted from diabetic subjects than non-diabetic subjects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main active ingredient in garcinia, might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
HCA reduces fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels in animal models, theoretically by delaying glucose absorption. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
There have been reports of acute hepatitis with elevated liver enzymes associated with garcinia, when taken alone or in combination with other ingredients. Case reports collected from the Drug Induced Liver Injury Network suggest this risk may be greater in people who carry the HLA B*35:01 allele.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, combining garcinia with other serotonergic drugs might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome.
In one report, a patient experienced serotonin syndrome after taking garcinia extract (60% hydroxycitric acid) 1000 mg daily in combination with escitalopram 20 mg, which had been taken for a year. The patient was switched to sertraline 50 mg daily and again experienced serotonin syndrome.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Garcinia cambogia extract full monograph & interactions

Aloe vera 200:1 extract7 drug types · 461 drugs

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, aloe latex might increase the risk of adverse effects when taken with cardiac glycosides.
Overuse of aloe latex can increase the risk of adverse effects from cardiac glycoside drugs, such as digoxin, due to potassium depletion. Overuse of aloe, along with cardiac glycoside drugs, can increase the risk of toxicity.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, aloe gel might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro research shows that aloe gel can inhibit platelet aggregation. This inhibition was greater than that seen with celecoxib, but less than that seen with aspirin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Aloe might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Preliminary clinical research suggests aloe gel might lower blood glucose levels and have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs. Monitor blood glucose levels closely.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, aloe latex might increase the risk of hypokalemia when taken with diuretic drugs.
Overuse of aloe latex might compound diuretic-induced potassium loss, increasing the risk of hypokalemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Stimulant Laxatives

Theoretically, aloe latex might increase the risk for fluid and electrolyte loss when taken with stimulant laxatives.
Due to cathartic laxative effects of aloe latex, concomitant use with other stimulant laxatives might compound fluid and electrolyte loss.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, aloe latex might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.
Aloe latex has stimulant laxative effects. In some people aloe latex can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin, increase international normalized ratio (INR), and increase the risk of bleeding. Advise patients who take warfarin not to take excessive amounts of aloe vera.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, aloe might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that aloe extract induces CYP1A2 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Aloe vera 200:1 extract full monograph & interactions

Legume Protein concentrate1 drug type · 195 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, taking calabar bean might reduce the effects of anticholinergic drugs.
Physostigmine, a constituent of calabar bean, reverses the effects of belladonna and other drugs with anticholinergic activity.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Legume Protein concentrate full monograph & interactions

Cider Vinegar4 drug types · 162 drugs

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, concomitant use of apple cider vinegar with digoxin might increase the risk of cardiac toxicity.
A case of hypokalemia related to chronic use of apple cider vinegar has been reported. Theoretically, overuse of apple cider vinegar could decrease potassium levels, increasing the risk of toxicity with digoxin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of apple cider vinegar with diuretic drugs might increase the risk of hypokalemia.
A case of hypokalemia related to chronic use of apple cider vinegar has been reported. There is some concern that people taking apple cider vinegar along with potassium depleting diuretics might have an increased risk for hypokalemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Insulin

Theoretically, concomitant use of apple cider vinegar with insulin might increase the risk of hypokalemia.
A case of hypokalemia related to chronic use of apple cider vinegar has been reported. Theoretically, overuse of apple cider vinegar concomitantly with insulin might increase the risk of hypokalemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking apple cider vinegar with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Apple cider vinegar might reduce fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels and decrease gastric emptying in people with diabetes. However, not all research agrees. Theoretically, it might have additive effects on glucose levels when used with antidiabetes drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cider Vinegar full monograph & interactions

Chitosan2 drug types · 3 drugs

Acyclovir (Zovirax)

Chitosan can reduce the absorption of acyclovir, potentially increasing the risk for treatment failure.
Clinical research in humans shows that taking chitosan along with acyclovir 200 mg reduces acyclovir absorption. Concomitant administration of chitosan 400 mg or 1000 mg reduced the acyclovir area under the curve (AUC) and peak plasma concentration by about 30% and 40%, respectively, compared with control. Concomitant administration with chitosan 1000 mg also increased time to peak concentration from 1 hour to 2 hours. In vitro research suggests that the mechanism for reduced absorption is due to acyclovir entrapment in chitosan-mucus complexes, which reduces intestinal absorption.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, chitosan might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.
In a case report, a patient taking warfarin had a significantly increased international normalized ratio (INR) after starting chitosan 1200 mg daily. The INR normalized after chitosan was discontinued and vitamin K was administered. The patient once again started taking chitosan and again had a significant increase in INR. The INR stabilized again once chitosan was discontinued. Researchers theorize that this interaction might occur because chitosan decreases absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin K, which could increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Chitosan full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Fat, Sugar, and Starch Blocker, from the product label.

MediPlan Diet Services

See all MediPlan Diet Services products
Name
MediPlan
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Fat, Sugar, and Starch Blocker by MediPlan Diet Services: Common Questions

Does Fat, Sugar, and Starch Blocker by MediPlan Diet Services interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Fat, Sugar, and Starch Blocker has a known interaction with 1,324 medications, including 1 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Fat, Sugar, and Starch Blocker contains 7 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does this product actually block fat, sugar, and starch?
The evidence isn't established. Aloe vera and chitosan are rated possibly effective for obesity, but garcinia, gymnema, and cider vinegar lack reliable human data showing they work at these doses. Cascara is a laxative, not a blocker. We'd recommend talking to your pharmacist about whether the evidence supports this for your goals.
Is it safe to take this long-term?
Not ideal. Cascara sagrada carries real risks with long-term use—low potassium, weight loss, and other electrolyte problems. Aloe latex also has serious risks if overused. This product seems designed for shorter-term use, and quality or dose data on some ingredients is limited. Your pharmacist can advise on safer alternatives.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Aloe latex can stimulate the uterus and act as a strong laxative, so it's unsafe in pregnancy. Chitosan, garcinia, gymnema, and cascara all lack enough safety data, so they're best avoided too. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about safer options if you're pregnant or nursing.
What's in the proprietary blend?
The product lists the component ingredients separately (aloe, chitosan, cider vinegar, garcinia, gymnema, and cascara), so you can see what's actually in it. We don't have a hidden proprietary portion that we can't identify.
Does this product have any fillers?
No—there are no inactive fillers, binders, or other excipients listed. You're getting just the active ingredients in the capsule.
I'm allergic to shellfish—can I take this?
Chitosan is derived from shellfish shells, so if you have a shellfish allergy, you should avoid this product or at least ask your pharmacist or doctor first. There's a real risk of an allergic reaction.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Fat, Sugar, and Starch Blocker label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Fat, Sugar, and Starch Blocker’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Aloe

Interacts with 461 drugs

Aloe vera gel is widely used on the skin for minor burns and irritation, and some research suggests it may help. Aloe latex (the yellow part) is a strong laxative that can cause cramping and...

Read the full Aloe monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Chitosan

Interacts with 3 drugs

Chitosan is a fiber-like substance made from the shells of shrimp, crabs, and other shellfish, often marketed for weight loss and cholesterol. The evidence for these benefits is weak, and an...

Read the full Chitosan monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Apple Cider Vinegar

Interacts with 162 drugs

Apple cider vinegar is a fermented apple product that many people use hoping to help with blood sugar, weight, or digestion. The evidence for most of these uses is limited and mixed, and the...

Read the full Apple Cider Vinegar monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Calabar Bean

Interacts with 195 drugs

Calabar bean is a highly poisonous West African seed that contains physostigmine, a powerful cholinesterase inhibitor. It is not a safe dietary supplement, and eating the bean can cause seri...

Read the full Calabar Bean monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Garcinia

Interacts with 704 drugs

Garcinia is a tropical fruit whose rind contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), widely marketed for weight loss and appetite control. The scientific evidence is weak and mixed, with most studies...

Read the full Garcinia monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Gymnema

Interacts with 851 drugs

Gymnema is an Ayurvedic herb best known for possibly helping lower blood sugar and reducing the taste of sweetness on the tongue. Some early human studies are encouraging for blood sugar sup...

Read the full Gymnema monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Cascara Sagrada

Interacts with 745 drugs

Cascara sagrada is a stimulant laxative made from the aged bark of a Pacific Northwest tree, used mainly for short-term relief of constipation. Because it can cause cramping, dehydration, an...

Read the full Cascara Sagrada monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Fat, Sugar, and Starch Blocker's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 136 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Aloe 41 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. Wichtl MW. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Ed. N.M. Bisset. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers, 1994.
  3. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  4. Nusko G, Schneider B, Schneider I, et al. Anthranoid laxative use is not a risk factor for colorectal neoplasia: results of a prospective case control study. Gut 2000;46:651-5. PubMed
  5. Luyckx VA, Ballantine R, Claeys M, et al. Herbal remedy-associated acute renal failure secondary to Cape aloes. Am J Kidney Dis 2002;39:E13. PubMed
  6. Rajasekaran S, Sivagnanam K, Ravi K, Subramanian S. Hypoglycemic effect of Aloe vera gel on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in experimental rats. J Med Food 2004;7:61-6.
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Chitosan 17 references
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Apple Cider Vinegar 11 references
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Calabar Bean 2 references
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Garcinia 44 references
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Gymnema 12 references
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Cascara Sagrada 9 references
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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