Lee Swanson Research Update

Phase 2 Ingredient Aids Weight Loss

November 2010

A 60-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that Phase 2 starch neutralizer, an ingredient extracted from white kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) supports weight loss.

Writing in the Journal of Applied Research, scientists said: "One billion human adults worldwide are overweight and, thus, more prone to develop cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and a variety of other chronic conditions."

"Dietary supplements that inhibit gastrointestinal amylase are referred to 'starch blockers' and have been associated with weight loss. Starch blockers may promote weight loss by interfering with breakdown of complex carbohydrates (CHO), limiting their immediate gastrointestinal absorption. Such a process could lessen caloric intake, augment distal CHO fermentation, and/or enhance insulin sensitivity to account for weight loss.

"The present study examines a dietary supplement given three times per day containing 1,000 mg of Phaseolus vulgaris extract derived from the white kidney bean. This extract has previously been shown to inhibit the activity of the digestive enzyme alpha amylase and inhibit starch reabsorption so as to be associated with weight loss."

In China, a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 101 volunteers with a BMI between 25-40. The volunteers were divided into two groups that received either placebo or the active substance. Two capsules containing Phaseolus vulgaris extract (1,000 mg) or placebo were taken 15 minutes before each meal for 60 consecutive days. Body weights, waist and hip measurements, and blood for chemical analysis were obtained.

After 60 days, 51 subjects receiving Phaseolus vulgaris extract compared to a placebo group of 50 subjects had clinically and statistically significantly greater average reduction of body weight. The average weight loss in the supplement group was 1.9 kg compared to a 0.4 kg loss in the placebo group. The supplement group also saw a reduction in waist size.

Researchers concluded: "The results indicate that Phaseolus vulgaris extract taken under the conditions of this study produces clinically and statistically significant decrements in body weight and waist circumference."

Journal of Applied Research 10(2):73-79, 2010

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