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Do carb blockers really work and what kind of weight loss results are expected? Carbohydrate inhibiting supplements with Phaseolamin do decrease the absorption of sugars from foods consumed and can modestly support weight loss goals.
A number of supplements have hit the market in recent years which are supposed to block the digestion of starchy foods, and thereby affect weight loss in the same manner as caloric restriction.
By stopping the carbs from being broken down and digested, they are excreted from the body without adding caloric value. This can support a reduction in body fat and waist circumference, when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
Phaseolus vulgaris (White Kidney Bean) extracts have been studied for their anti-obesity effects and clinical trial results show that they do work. What is the mechanism of action for these carb blocking supplements and are they safe to take?
Appetite Control
Body Weight
Starch Inhibitor- Helps reduce the absoprtion of carbohydrates
- Suppresses the appetite & feel full
- May promote weight loss in a healthy diet
Top Carb Blockers ?How Do Carb Blockers Work?
Related Topics
Carb and Starch-blocking pills typically contain Phaseolus vulgaris (White Kidney Bean) as the primary active ingredient. One commonly used proprietary form of this supplement is referred to as Phase 2 Carb Controller.
According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, White Kidney Bean extract carb blockers are used for weight loss, UTIs (urinary tract infections), bladder stones, kidney stones, obesity, lung cancer, diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol).
Phaseolus Vulgaris is a species of common beans. The species is comprised of multiple varieties including green beans, kidney beans, broad beans and others. All varieties of P. vulgaris are legumes and contain a substance called phaseolamin.
Phaseolamin is an inhibitor of a digestive enzyme called alpha amylase isoform 1 (Alpha AI1).
This enzyme is released initially by the salivary glands when carbohydrate foods enter the mouth. However, the actions of Alpha AI1 are disrupted when the food enters into the stomach.
As the food passes on into the small intestines, the pancreas releases a new supply of alpha amylase. Alpha AI1 is used here to break down long-chain carbohydrates.
They are metabolized into smaller carbs called oligosaccharides. These are groupings of even smaller carbs called monosaccharides (simple sugars).
P. vulgaris carb blockers work by stopping the actions of Alpha AI1 in the small intestines. Unmetabolized, the long-chain carbohydrates pass on through the digestive system without being broken down.
Carb Blocker Results for weight loss?
Much of the research on the effectiveness of carb blockers on weight loss has been found to be flawed.
In 2011, a systematic review evaluated the evidence for and against Phaseolus vulgaris as a weight loss agent. Data from multiple randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were scrutinized.
Results from this review determined that all RCTs evaluated had serious flaws in methodology. Some data was contradictory and no firm determinations could be made concerning the effects of Phaseolus vulgaris extracts on weight loss.
More rigorous and better quality research is necessary to make objective determinations.
Some reliable research on P. vulgaris carb blockers do report positive effects on weight loss, although they may not be very strong.
One study showed that taking two 1000 mg doses daily for 4 weeks works for promoting weight loss. Treatment group subjects lost 8.5 pounds on average compared to an average loss of 1.7 pounds in controls.
Many users of P. vulgaris carb blockers also state that routine usage naturally suppresses their appetites. Furthermore, these carbohydrate-inhibiting supplements are safe and do not come with the risk of stimulant side effects, unlike many other diet pills.
How Do Carb Blockers Affect Blood Sugar Levels?
Research and consumer reviews both seem to support the antidiabetic effects of Phaseolus vulgaris extract supplements. Carb blockers may work to naturally control after-meal blood glucose spikes.
By improving modulation and utilization of glucose, P. vulgaris supplements may help to prevent hyperinsulinemia and improve insulin sensitivity. Carb blockers are also being researched for their effects on prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Preliminary research suggests that taking a White Kidney Bean extract along with bilberry and white mulberry can lower blood glucose significantly.
In one 2-month study, 3 daily 15 mg doses in an aqueous solution apparently decreased blood-glucose levels by as much as 24.3% in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.
Carbohydrates and Cholesterol
Research associates the use of P. vulgaris carb blockers with improved lipid balancing, which can have positive effects on health in addition to the benefits for losing weight.
Proper oral administration may help to reduce triglyceride levels. Reductions in LDL-C (low density lipoprotein cholesterol) and increases in HDL-C are also possible.
Decreased triglycerides and LDL-C are associated with decreased risks for developing arterial plaque which often leads to atherosclerosis (clogged arteries). Atherosclerosis may subsequently lead to coronary artery disease, the leading cause of cardiovascular disease.
For treating hypercholesterolemia, Phaseolus vulgaris extracts are used in three daily doses between 300 and 600 mg. These doses are often stacked with 50-100 mg doses of carob gum.
Negative Carb Blocker Side Effects
Phaseolus vulgaris carb blockers have good safety profiles and are well tolerated in the vast majority of users. Because of the way they work, they will not cause stimulant-like side effects or put excess strain on the heart, unlike many other diet products on the market.
Certain side effects are possible though; including bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and/or constipation. When these effects occur, they normally pass quickly; within an hour or two.
Daily doses up to 3 grams have been used safety for periods up to 3 months. There is no reported risk of long-term side effects when using White Kidney Bean extract by itself.
However, if you are purchasing a carb blocking supplement online, check the ingredients list to learn about the side effects of any additional weight loss ingredients.
Because of the hypoglycemic effects possible with P. vulgaris extracts, usage is not recommended in conjunction with medications used to treat prediabetes or diabetes.
It is unclear whether P. vulgaris carb blockers are safe for pregnant or nursing women. Use only with a doctor’s permission. Those scheduled for elective surgeries should stop using starch and carb blocking supplements at least 2 weeks before procedures.
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- Grube B1, Chong WF, Chong PW, Riede L. Weight reduction and maintenance with IQP-PV-101: a 12-week randomized controlled study with a 24-week open label period. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2014 Mar;22(3):645-51. doi: 10.1002/oby.20577. Epub 2013 Sep 5.
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Article last updated on: March 12th, 2018 by Nootriment
2 Comments
Las indicaciones del envase dicen una capsula antes del almuerzo y otra antes de la cena. Su acción se prolonga para lo consumido en el desayuno y merienda? Mi duda es si su acción es local en la luz del intestino con acción a corto plazo o se absorbe en sangre manteniendo niveles estables efectivos al tomarlo en la dosis recomendada. Espero su respuesta. Gracias
Hi Gabriela,
It depends on the specific ingredients used, but typically the effects will be most pronounced for carb blockers if they are taken 30 minutes to one hour before mealtime. If you take a capsule before breakfast, the active ingredients will likely be degraded and not present in the gut at lunchtime. Studies that show positive results typically use doses right before meals. I hope that information helps!