Inhibitors of the rate of carbohydrate and lipid absorption by the intestine.

The rate of energy storage in adipose tissues is, at least in part, dependent on the concentration of nutrients and hormones in the blood. A delayed absorption of ingesta from the intestine should cause lower concentrations of fat, glucose and insulin and, thus, reduce the triglyceride storage rate. Non-selective agents retard the absorption irrespective of composition of food. Inhibitors of intestinal alpha-glucosidases delay the degradation of complex carbohydrates to absorbable monosaccharides and thus decrease the rate of their absorption. Inhibitors of pancreatic lipase interfere with the degradation of dietary triglycerides and decrease the postprandial triglyceride increment in blood and tissues. Recently a compound was found which inhibits the absorption of carbohydrates as well as triglycerides.