Alpha-cyclodextrin which functions as a soluble dietary fiber, has been shown to a form a
stable emulsion with dietary fat in the ratio of 1:9, with a higher affinity for saturated
fat compared to unsaturated fat. In humans, supplementation with α-cyclodextrin has been
shown to lead to a significant weight loss regardless of whether energy intake was
maintained or increased.The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of a 72 hour fecal
fat test using stool markers on the last three days of each of three six-day feeding
periods. Subjects will be served a weight maintaining diet containing 40% fat (of which 40%
will be saturated), 30% protein and 30% carbohydrate for 18 days. Subjects will also consume
1 gram alpha cyclodextrin with 1 gram of starch, 2 grams of alpha cyclodextrin, or 2 grams
of starch in capsule form before breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day in each of the three
six-day feeding periods. At this dose, alpha-cyclodextrin is recognized as safe by the FDA.
All stools will be collected over a 72 hour period at the end of each feeding period and
analyzed for fecal fat excretion.