Top 10 Best Carb Blockers: Slow Down Carbohydrate Digestion

Carb blocker pills essentially block your body’s digestion of carbs in order to keep blood sugar levels down and stop the absorption of carbs as calories.

These pills are commonly turned to by those on weight loss journeys who are looking to improve their progress as they shed a few pounds.

But with so many options on the market, how can you know which ones are really effective and which ones should be ignored?

Keeping reading to learn all of the above and get answers to frequently asked questions.

Top 10 Best Carb Blocker Pills Reviewed and Ranked

In today’s product guide, we highlight 10 of the best carb blocker pills in 2022, reviewing their specs such as ingredients and dosages, benefits, prices, health ratings, and safety factors.

We’ll also discuss the validity of carb blockers, how they work, and the general consensus on whether or not you should use them for your weight loss journey.

1. Utilize - Best Overall Carb Blocker

SHOP UTILIZE

Utilize acts as an insulin mimetic nutrient and partitioning formula. According to Huge Nutrition, Utilize works as a carb catalyst, nutrient uptake increase, and supporter of healthy metabolic functions.

Utilize works best at weight loss progress when taken in 6-capsule doses just before eating the highest carb meal of the day.

A serving size of six Utilize capsules includes 10 key ingredients:

• Vitamin D3 (50mcg)
  
• Magnesium (250mg)
  
• Chromium (62.5mcg)
  
• Berberine HCL (1.5g)
  
• Bitter Melon Extract (750mg)
  
• Cinnamon Powder (500mg)
  
• Alpha Lipoic Acid (300mg)
  
• Gymnema Sylvestre Extract (300mg)
  
• Fenugreek (200mg)
  
• Cinnulin PF Cinnamon Bark Extract (125mg)
  

These ingredients, which have other health benefits on their own, are a big reason why we recommend Utilize not only as a carb blocker, but as a daily health supplement as well.

This supplement is decently priced at about $35.00 online, and its perks are well-reviewed by customers. You can click here to buy it from the official website.

In terms of the certification behind this supplement, it is made in the USA, Quality Premium Guaranteed, a GMP Quality Product, and manufactured in an FDA Registered Facility. It’s also important to note that you shouldn’t take Utilize if you’re pregnant or nursing, under 18 years old, or unhealthy.

2. GLYCODRIN

SHOP GLYCODRIN

Glycodrin is a GDA, insulin-mimetic that disposes of glucose and works as a nutrient partitioner agent. The main benefits of this supplement include its ability to move carbohydrates and nutrients into your muscles, controlling your blood sugar, and converting nutrients into muscle energy instead of stored fat.

These qualities are part of what makes Glycodrin useful for weight loss progress.

Another upside to these supplements is that they are completely vegan and contain no gelatin in the capsules, making them accessible to plant-based diet users.

The main ingredients in Glycodrin include:

• GS4 PLUS (gymnema leaf herb from the Sabinsa Corp.)
  
• Berberine (helps reduce unhealthy fatty liver deposits)
  
• Bitter melon (10% charantin to improve insulin levels and manage blood sugar)
  
• Cinnamon extract (30% polyphenols to improve insulin resistance and reduce cholesterol)
  
• Panax ginseng (10% Ginsenosides to improve fasting blood glucose)
  
• Banaba leaf extract (1% corosolic acid as a natural blood sugar controller)
  

Glycodrin is safe to use in its recommended serving (2 vegan capsules), whether you’re a man or a woman, containing zero added artificial colors or flavors.

You can also rest assured that this product contains zero banned substances (100% guarantee from PROCCOR).

We recommend Glycodrin for those on a budget since it only costs a modest $30.00 for a bottle.

3. Freak Show

Rich Piana’s 5% carb blocker works to partition carbs, dispose of glucose, support insulin, and build muscle. This 4.4 star carb blocker sold on Amazon is ideal for those who want to not only lose weight, but also bulk up in the process.

The powder capsules are suited to a keto diet and recommended for bodybuilders, weight lifters, cross trainers, and sports players. When you take the recommended 6-capsule dose of Freak Show, you attain the following benefits from its main ingredients:

• 100 mg Vitamin B1 (metabolizes BCAAs and carbs, aids in glucose oxidation)
  
• 1,000 mg Gymnema Sylvestre herb (stabilizes blood sugar and moves carbs towards muscles)
  
• 500 mg Banaba Powder (moves sugar to muscles for training)
  
• 350 mg Berberine Hydrochloride (improves muscular absorption of glucose)
  
• 300 mg Cinnamon Extract (lowers blood glucose levels)
  
• 300 mg Bitter Melon (increases protein, lowers sugar, and helps with respiratory issues)
  
• 200 mg Alpha Lipoic Acid (works as an antioxidant)
  
• 100 mg Fenugreek (decreases sugar levels)
  
• 10 mg Black Pepper Extract (helps you to absorb the capsules)
  

In terms of the health and safety of this supplement, keep in mind that Freak Show has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and you shouldn’t substitute it for medical treatment.

Freak Show is a bit more expensive than other carb blockers, ringing in at just under $60.00 for a 60-serving bottle.

4. Redcon1 RPG

Redcon1 RPG is a decent supplement for bodybuilders and athletes to direct carbohydrates towards muscle building and fat burning. This particular supplement is a “glucose portioning agent”, which means that it has the benefit of slowing down insulin release when eating high-carb meals.

The three key benefits of Redcon1 include carb uptake, muscle fullness and pumps, and nutrient absorption.

Each serving (4 capsules) of this supplement include the following ingredients:

• Magnesium Stearate
  
• Gelatin
  
• Gum Acadia
  
• Brown Rice Flour
  
• Biotin
  
• Chromium
  
• Gymnema Leaf Powder
  
• Bitter Melon Extract
  
• Cinnamon Bark Powder
  
• Berberine HCl
  
• Alpha Lipoic Acid
  
• Banaba Leaf Extract
  
• Grains of Paradise Seed Extract
  

Together the key ingredients of Redcon1 aid processes that help you to focus on weight loss without missing out on bulk. As an added bonus, some of the ingredients have individual health benefits, like biotin (great for hair and nail health) and banaba leaf extract (lowers blood sugar levels).

It’s important to note that any health statements about Redcon1 haven’t been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and shouldn’t be used to replace real medical advice.

This supplement is a bit more expensive than others on this list, ringing in at around $45.00 on Amazon (with a list price of $60.00).

5. Core Nutritionals Load

These high potency carb blockers have a glucose utilization agent to support carb absorption and disposal of glucose. The recommended dosage is six capsules of Core Nutritionals Load.

Its main ingredients include the following:

• Green Coffee Extract (includes chlorogenic acid)
  
• GS4 PLUS Gymnema Sylvestre Extract
  
• Berberis Aristata Extract
  
• Banaba Extract
  

The benefits of green coffee extract include an ability to lower blood sugar, modulate glucose, and anti-lipogenic properties (anti-fat forming). Banaba extract also has health benefits, including lowering blood sugar, lowering cholesterol, fighting obesity, and counteracting free radicals. Further, Berberis extract is helpful as an anti-diuretic and hypoglycemic agent.

It contains GS4 Plus, which is a registered trademark of the Sabinsa Corporation. However, statements regarding its health benefits are not backed by the FDA and shouldn’t replace formal diagnoses or treatments.

We recommend this carb blocker for several reasons, including the fact that it’s a budget pick with a fun coffee flavor. For only about $45.00 on Amazon, you get 180 vegetable capsules.

6. Glucose Optimizer

The Jarrow Formulas glucose optimizer uses alpha lipoic acid, herbal extracts, and other ingredients to support metabolism of glucose. The key benefits marketed for this supplement include energy and metabolism enhancements, as well as antioxidant status.

One of the great selling points of this carb blocker is that it is suitable for most dietary needs since it is free of dairy, gluten, wheat, eggs, soy, and fish. This means that both vegetarians and vegans can safely consume this supplement.

The main ingredients include:

• Alpha Lipoic Acid
  
• Banaba
  
• Gymnema
  
• Glycostat Wild Bitter Melon Extract
  
• Eucalyptus
  
• Magnesium
  
• Resveratrol
  

In terms of health and safety, this supplement is a good option since Jarrow Formulas manufactures its supplements under Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), using only pure and raw material sources. You can also rest assured that the tablets are tested for quality properties. However, you should note that statements about the health properties of the Jarrow Formulas tablets aren’t evaluated by the FDA.

At $35.00, you get a bottle of 120 tablets, of which you should take 2-4 per day. It’s a great budget-friendly option for those who want to lose weight and support good cardiovascular health.

7. Glucose RX

Glucose RX is Revive’s carb blocker for both men and women. Formulated to improve and manage glucose levels, improve A1C levels, and increase the uptake of nutrients, this supplement is clinically dosed and contains many natural ingredients.

One other perk of these dietary supplements is that they are completely vegetarian for those who don’t eat meat.

One of the great aspects of this pick on our list is that it is multifunctional in its health benefits, owing mainly to its composition of many natural ingredients and vitamins:

• Vitamin B1, B3, B6, and B12 (benefits range from boosted energy levels to cell health, improved eyesight, and more)
  
• Vitamin C (enhances immune system functioning, develops/repairs bodily tissue, supports bone health)
  
• Vitamin D3 (improves heart functions, mood, immunity, bone health, and more)
  
• Berberine (beneficial against heart failure and fatty liver problems)
  
• Chromium (lowers blood sugar levels, improves insulin response)
  
• Citrus Bergamot (helps to lower LDL cholesterol)
  
• Cinnamon Extract (may help to reduce blood sugar)
  
• Grapeseed Extract (rich in antioxidants, cardiovascular benefits)
  
• R-Alpha Lipoic Acid (helps turn carbs into energy)
  
• Fenugreek (improves blood pressure and lowers cholesterol)
  
• Gymnema Extract (may help stave off sugar cravings)
  
• Bioperine (helps to improve absorption of nutrients)
  
• AstraGin (helps with lean muscle strength, energy output, etc.)
  

In terms of health and safety specs, note that Glucose RX is a trademark of NuLiv Science USA Inc. and the Sabinsa Corporation. However, statements regarding the health benefits of the supplement aren’t backed by the FDA.

You can get Glucose RX for around $50.00 on Amazon, which is arguably more expensive than marketplace competitors. However, you get more capsules included in this purchase than you get with other purchases.

8. Glucocil

Glucocil is a carb blocker/blood sugar optimizer with one of the highest ratings for this type of product on Amazon (4.3 stars). The main advertised benefit of this supplement is weight loss, although they also have the added benefits of reducing sugar and carb absorption, supporting healthy energy, supporting healthy insulin production, and promoting heart health.

It’s free of preservatives, artificial flavors, and salmon, and the recommended dosage is 1-2 softgels per meal, twice a day.

The main ingredients of glucocil include:

• Vitamins D3, B1, B6, and B12
  
• Chromium
  
• Phellodendron Extract
  
• Alpha Lipoic Acid
  
• Mulberry Leaf Extract
  
• Gymnema Extract
  
• Veldt Grape Extract
  
• Banaba Extract
  
• Insulina
  
• Cinnamon
  
• Fish Oil
  

This supplement is ideal and safe, given that it is doctor formulated with clinically researched ingredients. It’s also made in an FDA Registered Facility in the USA, featuring a 30 day money back guarantee. You shouldn’t take this supplement if you’re pregnant, nursing, or under 18 years old.

Glucocil is affordable for most, ringing in at just around $40.00 for a bottle of 120 softgel capsules.

9. Berberine-500

This Thorne Research supplement is a botanical compound that helps to support healthy blood sugar metabolism. It’s gluten-free and designed for adult use with the benefits of weight loss, improving insulin sensitivity, promoting healthy cholesterol, supporting immunity, aiding respiration, and promoting healthy gut microbial balance.

It contains pure ingredients with few additives, which undergo rigorous testing and manufacturing to present the highest quality supplement.

The main ingredients of a Berberine-500 once or twice daily dosage include:

• Berberine HCl
  
• Hypromellose
  
• Calcium Laurate
  

It’s safe and trusted by pro athletic teams, as well as the Mayo Clinic. Further, you can rest assured that it’s healthy to take if you have an allergy to one or more of the following:

• Gluten
  
• Tree nuts
  
• Peanuts
  
• Eggs
  
• Dairy
  
• Yeast
  
• Soy
  
• Fish/shellfish
  

Note also that the stated benefits of Berberine-500 haven’t been formally evaluated by the FDA.

Berberine-500 is affordable at just $35.00 per bottle.

10. Glycophase

Glycophase is a GDA (glucose disposal agent) that promotes leanness without the use of stimulant fat loss substances. It also works to improve muscle pumps and fullness, as well as nutrient absorption.

It works by using a nutrient partitioning matrix that helps to dispose of glucose more efficiently and decrease insulin levels.

The veggie capsules of Glycophase contain the following key ingredients:

• Agmatine Sulfate
  
• Chromium
  
• Berberine HCL
  
• Bitter Melon Extract
  
• Gymnema Sylvestre Extract
  
• Banaba Leaf Extract
  
• Alpha Lipoic Acid
  
• Na-R-Alpha Lipoic Acid
  
• Saffron
  
• Biperine
  
• Vegetable Cellulose
  
• Magnesium Stearate
  
• DiCalcium Phosphate
  
• Titanium Dioxide
  

Note that statements about Glycophase aren’t backed by the FDA, and so you should consult a doctor as to how safe it is for you to take the supplement personally.

This supplement rings in at a very budget friendly $31.00 per bottle.

Carb Blocker Ranking Factors

There are several factors that we used to rank and review these carb blocker supplements. We took into account the ingredients (whether they were natural, pure, or added), the proposed health benefits, their affordability, and their health and safety factors.

We ranked Utilize as the number one best carb blocker on our list due to its combination of affordability, overall nutrient content (vitamins and supplements), and its well-reviewed role as a carb catalyst and weight loss aid.

As we go down the list, we highlighted nine other ideal carb blocker supplements of varying prices and ingredients with different health benefits. All of these supplements aid the lowering of blood sugar and help to support better energy from carbohydrates, as opposed to carbs being stored for fat.

Ingredients and Dosages

Most of the above carb blocker supplements come with a recommended daily dose of 2-4 capsules per day. Generally, it’s suggested to take 1-2 capsules of a car blocker preceding each heavy-carbohydrate meal of the day.

However, if you take carb blockers for overall health supplement effects, you could also take them once in the morning and once in the evening.

Many carb blockers are rich in ingredients that support lowered blood sugar, such as chromium, cinnamon extract, and bitter melon extract. The supplements also commonly include popular vitamins, such as B complex vitamins, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D3.

In terms of allergen content, many of the carb blockers mentioned above are free of common allergens, such as tree nuts, gluten, shellfish, etc.

However, some of them are even vegan-, keto-, or vegetarian-friendly, including the capsules. This is why we particularly like Barberine-500, Glucose Optimizer, and Glycodrin.

Benefits

The benefits of the above ingredients range far and wide. Although carb blockers are mainly marketed towards athletes who want to lower blood sugar levels and/or bulk up, they have a lot of secondary health benefits to consider.

The main benefit of carb blockers is that they help with weight loss by stopping the digestion of carbohydrates. As a result, carbs get moved into energy, rather than fat buildup. But one of the other ways that carb blockers supposedly help with weight loss is by suppressing appetite. Some scientists even believe that carb blockers decrease hunger hormone levels (ghrelin levels), leading to eating less.

Another key benefit of carb blockers is that they may manage blood sugar well, which is helpful for more than just diabetics. Since they slow/stop carb digestion, they also lead to lower blood sugar levels when eating carbohydrates.

There are many side benefits of carb blockers, too, due to the fact that many of them contain vitamins and nutrients with specific health properties. For example, many carb blockers contain bitter melon extract.

The health benefits of bitter melon range from lowering blood sugar to providing Vitamin C ; A, as well as iron. Furthermore, many carb blockers contain different forms of Vitamin B and D, which have the beneficial property of improving mood and energy levels.

Price

In general, carb blockers can range in cost from about $15.00-$60.00 for a bottle of capsules. We factored this into our best carb blocker guide by identifying the carb blocker products that lied closer to the average cost for this type of supplement ($35.00-$40.00).

While some of the picks on our list entail costs closer to the higher end of prices, it’s due to their high quality compared to other options. In general, though, the top 10 list we’ve compiled represents mostly affordable options for those who want a decent carb blocker supplement.

Safety

Carb blockers are technically just supplements, meaning they aren’t an actual medication that needs to be prescribed by a doctor. That said, it’s always still advisable to consult with your doctor about using carb blockers before you try them. It’s important to note how carb blocker supplements and their specific added ingredients may affect your health and wellness.

The main reason it’s important to check with a doctor first is that many supplements are not required to be evaluated by the FDA. While prescription medications are much more heavily monitored and studied, most carb blockers claim to have health benefits that aren’t evaluated or proven.

Furthermore, the health benefits and safety of certain natural ingredients - like bitter melon extract, grape seed extract, and fenugreek - aren’t necessarily backed by hard science.

In many cultures, natural ingredients such as these are recommended for their use in alternative medicine, but there is a reason they aren’t the first choice to be prescribed by medical doctors.

That being said, carb blockers are generally very safe to take. Although you may experience side effects when taking them, such as GI issues, bloating, or gas, they’re often safe enough for adults, and non-pregnant or non-nursing individuals to use.

The only other individuals who should really have a concern about taking these are diabetics, who may need to change their insulin dose if they choose to take carb blockers.

Should You Use a Carb Blocker?

Many people debate whether or not it’s a good idea to take carb blockers, or if they’re even worth it. While they do seem to have palpable effects in terms of blood glucose and weight loss, they aren’t a surefire, quick fix for those who want to get lean.

When taking supplements like carb blockers, you run the risk of messing with your gastrointestinal health, which could become unsettled and lead to discomfort. You also run the risk of having to change your diet to make the carb blockers work (they work best in higher-carb diets).

If you do consult with your doctor and ultimately choose to use carb blockers as dietary supplements, it would be beneficial to work it into your health regimen.

As opposed to using it as a healthy lifestyle replacement, you should integrate carb blockers into a well-rounded lifestyle of ample exercise, healthy eating, water intake, good sleep, and other health measures.

At the end of the day, there is no instant way to lose weight. To do so in a healthy manner, you have to have patience and diligence.

Do Carb Blockers Work?

The supposed effectiveness of carb blockers is widely debated. Although there is some science and research to back up the use of carb blockers for weight loss, it also seems that they only get more effective if you eat more carbs than usual.

Essentially, you have to eat a carb-heavy diet in order to get a significant weight loss effect out of the carb blockers, which may be counterintuitive in some people’s weight loss journeys.

It’s also important to note that a carb blocker isn’t designed to block the digestion of all carbohydrates that you consume while taking it. Carb blockers only have an effect on certain types of carbohydrates (complex carbs), which usually don’t make up the entirety of a person’s diet.

This means that carb blockers only work to a certain extent, and you of course have to watch your diet and exercise routine if you really want to lose weight and lower your blood sugar spikes.

Whether or not a carb blocker will be effective also depends on which ingredients it contains. For example, if you have a carb blocker that only utilizes one or two ingredients that work to lower blood sugar, it’s not going to make a significant difference on your health.

Conversely, if you choose a carb blocker supplement that includes added ingredients such as cinnamon bark extract, berberine, and bitter melon extract, you might find that you have considerably more positive effects in terms of weight loss and lowering of your blood glucose levels. You can also look into adding a fat burner.

Are Carb Blockers Safe to Use?

Carb blockers are safe to use as long as your doctor approves them for you individually. In order to take them safely, you also need to stick to the suggested dosage for your chosen type of carb blocker and use them as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions

It may help you to know a tad bit more about carb blockers before you begin taking them as a supplement. Generally, people have concerns about carb blockers regarding how and when to take them, as well as their effects.

When should you take carb blockers?

Most carb blocker supplements are recommended as a pre-meal supplement. Generally, the bottles will tell users to take 1-2 carb blocker capsules/tablets just prior to eating the meal of the day with the largest quantity of carbohydrates.

However, you can also take these supplements as a twice daily option (in the morning and evening each day). Some carb blockers even start out as a higher/smaller dose, then change in the days following your first dose. Always read the facts on the bottle before beginning doses.

Which supplements work well in combination with carb blockers?

Many people who use carb blockers for weight loss also use them in combination with fat burning supplements. You can technically take these supplements in combination; however, it isn’t necessarily going to make a huge difference in terms of weight loss.

Fat burning supplements work similarly to carb blockers in that you have to consume a lot of fat in order for the supplement to have a significant effect. Therefore, it may be more helpful to just take the carb blockers on their own.

Do carb blockers eliminate the effect of carbohydrates?

No, while the name may be a bit misleading, carb blockers don’t actually get rid of carbohydrates or eliminate them from your system. Rather, they work to stop the digestion of carbs in the GI tract to prevent too many of them from getting stored as fat in the body. As a result, the carbs get stored for energy use instead, which is beneficial to athletes and muscle builders.

What is the difference between simple and complex carbohydrates?

As mentioned previously, carb blocker supplements target complex carbohydrates, rather than simple carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are those that you’ll find in processed food like soda, sweets, and juice. Simple carbohydrates chain together to form complex carbohydrates.

On the other hand, complex carbohydrates are those that you’ll find in fibrous foods such as grains, legumes, pastas, and bread. Thus, if you want your carb blocker to be effective, you need to eat foods with complex carbs.

How do carb blockers work on a scientific level?

Carb blockers stop or slow the digestion of complex carbs by preventing enzymes in your digestive tract from breaking down ingested carbohydrates. The result is that carbs pass through your intestines without adding calories or increasing your blood sugar levels so much.

Conclusion

We hope you found our guide to the top 10 best carb blockers of 2022 to be useful. Carb blockers are supplements used to stop the digestion of complex carbohydrates, which may aid in weight loss and the process of lowering blood sugar spikes.

There are other benefits to these supplements, which come from their added ingredients, such as vitamins and other nutrients.

While carb blockers are safe to use, you should always consult with a doctor before beginning to use any over the counter supplements, especially if you are diabetic.

They have numerous benefits, from heart health to weight loss, hunger decrease, lower cholesterol levels, and more.