[3]: 46399  In the early 2000s, olestra lost popularity due to supposed side effects and is largely phased out, but products containing the ingredient are available in some countries.

[4]: 341 During the following tests, P&G noticed a decline in blood cholesterol levels as a side effect of olestra replacing natural dietary fats.

Following this potentially lucrative possibility, in 1975, P&G filed a new request with the FDA to use olestra as a "drug", specifically to lower cholesterol levels.

In 1984, the FDA allowed Kellogg to claim publicly that their high-fiber breakfast cereals were effective in reducing the risk of cancer.

[4]: 341 One of the main concerns the FDA had about olestra was it might encourage consumers to eat more of the "top of the pyramid" foods because of the perception of its being healthier.

This made the FDA particularly hesitant to approve the product, as well as the side effects, such as diarrhea, and concern for the loss of fat-soluble vitamins.

[5] At the time of the 1996 ruling, FDA concluded that, "to avoid being misbranded... olestra-containing foods would need to bear a label statement to inform consumers about possible effects of olestra on the gastrointestinal system.

[3]: 46372 In addition to the effects of the health warnings on public acceptance of the product, olestra might not have lived up to consumer expectations of speedy results.

[16] Triglycerides, the energy-yielding dietary fats, consist of three fatty acids bonded in the form of esters to a glycerol backbone.

Olestra has the same taste and mouthfeel as fat, but it passes through the gastrointestinal tract undigested without contributing calories or nutritive value to the diet.

[18] From a mechanical point of view, scientists were able to manipulate the compound in such a way that it could be used in place of cooking oils in the preparation of many types of food.

[20] Because Sefose is made by chemically combining sugar and vegetable oil, it releases no toxic fumes and could potentially become a safe and environmentally friendly replacement for petrochemicals in these applications.

[22] There is preliminary evidence that indicates that administration of olestra may accelerate the excretion of hydrophobic toxins, although there have been no randomized controlled clinical trials to establish the effectiveness of this potential treatment.