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Olestra's Accidental Discovery
- Olestra, a fat substitute, was accidentally discovered by Proctor & Gamble in 1968.
- While researching baby food, they found this substance wasn't absorbed by rats.
Olestra's Indigestibility
- Olestra, a combination of sugar and vegetable oil, is too large for gut bacteria to break down.
- It passes through the body unabsorbed, like a pebble or wood.
Olestra's Costly Development
- Proctor & Gamble invested $500 million in Olestra's development.
- They aimed to revolutionize the diet food market with "all of the taste and none of the calories."