Does Phaseolamin Work for Weight Loss? Benefits, Doses & Safety

Phaseolamin is an amylase inhibitor that comes from white kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). Amylase is an enzyme involved in the digestion of carbohydrates. Phaseolamin helps prevent carbohydrates from being digested, which is thought to support weight loss.

Phaseolamin from white kidney beans is available in oral supplement form. It is used to inhibit the digestion of carbohydrates, consumed as part of a weight loss plan or to control blood sugar levels.

Phaseolamin supplements are typically taken before eating foods that contain carbohydrates. There are many diet pills available that contain this ingredient along with complementary ingredients designed to suppress the appetite and boost the metabolism.

It is important for consumers to understand how these supplements work and whether or not they are effective.

Consumers should note that phaseolamin supplements are not meant to be used on their own for weight loss. Instead, they should be taken while following a sensible diet and getting regular physical activity.

White Kidney Bean

Carb Blocker

Carb Blocker

Appetite Control

Weight Loss

How It Works:

• Reduces breakdown & absortion of carbs
• Contains phaseolamin; inhibits alpha-amylase
• Supports weight loss & appetite control

Dosage:

Between 500 - 1500 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Common Uses of Phaseolamin

Phaseolamin in white kidney beans is primarily used for carbohydrate control to achieve weight loss. It has also been used to lower glucose response in those who have diabetes.

This ingredient inhibits the activity of amylase – an enzyme which breaks down carbohydrates ingested into simple sugars. These sugars are then absorbed by the body and burned for energy or stored as fat.

Taking a Phaseolamin extract supplement is said to inhibit the absorption of some of the sugars found in carbohydrate-rich foods. This may help individuals lose weight by limiting the calories absorbed by the body from foods that are consumed.

A proprietary form of this extract, known as Phase 2 or Phaseolamin 2250, is available in many products.

According to the manufacturers, Phase 2 is a fractionated white kidney bean extract that may assist in weight control when it is taken as part of a healthy diet and combined with an exercise program. [1]

The manufacturers state that Phase2 is superior to generic white kidney bean extract because it is formulated to have a lower amount of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA).

PHA is a protein found in various plants, specifically pea and bean plants. Higher amounts of PHA content have been associated with a lower ability to inhibit amylase. Removing this protein may improve the efficacy of Phase2 as a carb blocker.

A 1985 study published in Gastroenterology found that many commercial amylase inhibitors were not effective at lowering starch digestion due to insufficient amylase inhibition. [2]

High levels of PHA in the amylase inhibitors may have been responsible for the limited effects they had on lowering starch digestion.

Effects of Phaseolamin

The most well-researched properties of phaseolamin involve its anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects.

Phaseolamin may help the body absorb a lower number of calories by inhibiting the effects of the digestive enzyme amylase. This causes starches from foods to remain undigested or be digested in smaller amounts, which is said to reduce the number of calories that are absorbed.

It may also reduce blood sugar spikes, which could have benefits for maintaining normal insulin levels and sensitivity. It has been researched for its effects on diabetes and for lowering the glycemic index of carb-rich meals.

Phase 2 extract has received a letter from the FDA stating that the agency does not object to claims that it assists with weight control and the reduction of starch, according to Pharmachem Laboratories. [1]

This letter, which was based on the results of clinical data and other information sent to the FDA, allows for the following claims:

• Phase 2 may reduce the enzymatic digestion of starches from foods
• Phase 2 may help with weight control when it is combined with a healthy diet and exercise

Phaseolamin has also been studied for its effects on oxidative stress and collagen deposition in the heart. Some researchers hypothesize that this might help lower the risk of heart complications in diabetics, but more research is needed to validate this theory.

According to a 2014 study published in Diabetes and Vascular Disease Research, phaseolamin was shown to prevent early changes associated with oxidative stress and collagen deposition in diabetic rats. This effect was mainly due to its short-term ability to lower blood sugar levels. [3]

Does Phaseolamin Work for Weight Loss?

Multiple trials have been conducted evaluating the effectiveness of Phase 2 as well as other white kidney bean extracts, with somewhat mixed results.

The Natural Medicines Database has rated Phaseolamin as Possibly Effective at promoting weight loss through amylase inhibition in obese individuals.

One trial had overweight and obese patients take 1000 mg of Phase 2 three times per day with meals for 60 days.

The Phase 2 patients had an average weight loss of 1.9 kg and an average reduction in waist circumference of 1.9 cm, compared to 0.4 kg lost and 0.4 cm waist circumference lost in placebo patients.

Conversely, another trial that had obese patients take 1500 mg of Phase 2 twice daily for 8 weeks did not see a significant reduction in weight.

It is thought that the difference in results between these studies may be due to the level of carbohydrates in the diet.

In another trial, there was no significant difference in weight loss between the group that took 100 mg of Phase2 twice daily and the placebo group. However, significant weight loss differences were seen when the level of carbohydrates in the diet was examined.

It was seen that the Phase 2 patients who had high carb levels in their diet reduced their weight by 8.5 lbs compared to the 1.7 lbs lost by placebo patients who similarly ate high levels of carbohydrates.

Phaseolamin Review

Phaseolamin supplements, including those that contain Phase 2 Carb Controller, are available to purchase online at Amazon, GNC.com and other retailers.

These products can also be found at stores that sell health and wellness products. Some of the brands that make these products include Natrol, NOW Foods, Nature’s Design and Biogreen Labs.

Phaseolamin supplements are available in different dosages, ranging from 500 MG to 1,800 mg. The amount that consumers should take for weight loss depends on certain factors, including age, general health and the presence of medical conditions.

Phaseolamin dosages vary, with common dosages being between 500-1500 mg taken twice per day. Phaseolamin works most effectively when it is taken prior to eating.

Most users will take 1000 mg twice per day, with meals, especially before any carbohydrate rich meals. Individuals who want to use phaseolamin supplements should consult their doctor about the right dosage to take.

On Amazon.com, a large number of consumers who took Phase 2 White Kidney Bean Extract reported that these products were effective for losing weight.

Additionally, some consumers reported that these products also helped stabilize their blood sugar levels. A small number of consumers stated that these products did not help them lose weight.

Phaseolamin Side Effects

Phaseolamin is generally considered safe to take, although it may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms in some individuals. Those who have diabetes, kidney or liver disease should talk to their doctor before using phaseolamin supplements.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking phaseolamin or Phase 2 products, according to Health Canada. [5] This is mainly due to insufficient evidence on the safety of these products for pregnant women and those who are nursing.

Phaseolamin supplements are not known to have interactions with medications. However, consumers who take medications or other supplements should consult their doctor before using these products.

The long-term effects of phaseolamin supplements have not been studied. Consumers who plan on using phaseolamin Phase 2 extract or other supplements with this ingredient should follow their doctor’s advice on how long to take them for in order to lower the risk of adverse reactions or side effects.

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