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Phaseolamin 2250 (Phase 2) History

In the late 1990s, the first standardized starch blocker, Phase 2 Carb Controller (also known as StarchLite), was developed. Based on the early research on Phaseolamin, a number of amylase inhibitors from white beans have been marketed over the years as weight control remedies. But as reported in JAMA, early phaseolamin products did not have sufficient potency or stability to affect any in vivo changes. In addition, impurities contained therein caused complaints of GI distress including flatulence.

Phaseolamin (Phase 2) Availability

Phase 2 (Phaseolamin) is available as an ingredient that can be formulated in a variety of nutritional supplements, foods and beverages. It is also sold as StarchLite in the food marketplace and in Europe.

How Phaseolamin (Phase 2) Reportedly Works

Phaseolamin, also known commercially as Phase 2,  is a fractionated extract of the white bean that has been clinically shown in 13 studies to delay the digestion and absorption of starch calories. Phase 2 (Phaseolamin) is a proteinaceous inhibitor which neutralizes some of the digestive enzyme alpha amylase, temporarily delaying the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, allowing a portion of them to pass through the system before they can be converted into glucose, and then fat.  In simple terms, this means that Phase 2 (Phaseolamin) blocks the absorption of some carbohydrates and starchy foods.

Phase 2 (Phaseolamin)  Benefits

The most noticeable benefit of Phase 2 (Phaseolamin)  is its ability to reduce the absorption of calories taken in from starchy carbohydrates such as potatoes, pasta, rice, bread and fruits. When combined with a sensible eating plan, Phase 2 (Phaseolamin)  helps reduce hunger and speeds weight loss. This is ideal for dieters and anyone who desires to lose fat without feeling deprived of the foods they love.

Phase 2 (Phaseolamin) for  Weight Loss

In recent years, Phase 2 (Phaseolamin) has become one of the most highly touted ingredients for achieving weight loss without feeling starved or hungry. Because Phase 2 (Phaseolamin) allows you to eat some starchy and carbohydrate foods which satisfies your cravings, you are more likely to remain on your weight loss plan.

Phase 2 (Phaseolamin)  has also been shown to speed weight loss. Because it reduces hunger and blocks the absorption of starchy foods that normally get stored in the fat cells, people who use it experience a 4 to 8 pound increase in pounds lost in a two month period over those who don't use it. ^1,2,3,4

Since Phase 2 (Phaseolamin) actually blocks the absorption of starches and carbohydrates, this means that effectively the carbohydrate passes straight through your digestive system, and doesn't add unwanted pounds or get stored as fat. The more carbohydrate foods you tend to consume the greater the benefit you can receive from taking Phase 2. Therefore, those whose diets contain the most starch will tend to be the ones that lose the most weight, whilst those who generally eat starch sparingly will be the ones that lose weight only modestly. Results also depend on the chemistry of an individual's own digestive system and for that reason the effects of Phase 2 will inevitably vary a great deal from person to person.^1,2,3,4

Phase 2 (Phaseolamin)  Supplementation

Phase 2 (Phaseolamin) supplements are widely used because of their safety and because of popularity, although their effectiveness is still subject to dispute. Small studies have shown that people who used supplements containing Phase 2 (Phaseolamin) lost more weight in the same time period than those who did not use them.

• Chitosan: Chitosan is a natuarally occuring substance that has the ability to bind fat, up to 7 times its size
• Cassia Nomame (Cassia Mimosoides seed extract): A plant extract that can inhibit the lipase enzyme, the enzyme responsible for fat digestionenzymes derived to block fat.
• Opuntia Ficus Indica: Opuntia Ficus Indica is a natural lipophillic fiber complex that has been shown in vitro to bind fatty acids.
• Garcinia Cambogia 50% extract for Hydroxycitric Acid: Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA) inhibits the ATP citrate lyase enzyme; responsible for the synthesis of fatty acids. HCA additionally increases fat oxidation, enhances brain serotonin levels and suppresses appetite.
• Proprietary Thermogenic Fat Burning Complexes. Typical Thermogenic Fat Burning Complexes include such items as Green Tea Extract (45% EGCG), Caffeine Anhydrous, Yerba Mate, Guarana Extract, Citrus Aurantium Extract, Synephrine, etc.
• Appetite Suppressing Agents. Appetite Suppressing Agents include: Evodiamine (a bioactive alkaloid extract from a plant called Evodiae Fructus that studies have shown can raise body temperature, influence the secretion of catecholamines from the adrenal glands, and stimulates vanilloids to reduce the uptake of fat and increase the natural rate of burning fat. It is also known as the Wu-Chu-Yu a Chinese herb used for centuries as a weight loss supplement), South African Hoodia Gordonii (an extract isolated from the cactus-like plant Hoodia gordonii used to curtail hunger), etc.
• Various other enzymes and extracts. Many other various enzymes and extracts are also used to help maintain blood glucose (e.g., Chromium Picolinate) and triglceride levels, as well as to help digest protein.

How Phase 2 (Phaseolamin) is Typically Used

Phase 2 (Phaseolamin) only have an effect on you when taken prior to the consumption of starch or a starch-rich meal. Therefore, Phase 2 (Phaseolamin) is typically taken 10 to 15 minutes before eating before a starch-rich meal. If you only eat starchy meals occasionally, then you only need to take Phase 2 occasionally. If you eat carbohydrate foods a great deal, then you should consider taking Phase 2 (Phaseolamin) on a regular basis.

For most people a positive effect can be obtained by taking 500mg to 1000 mg of a Phase 2 (Phaseolamin) extract. Since everyone's metabolism and constitution are different, some people may wish to experiment on themselves to find the right level for them.

Phase 2 (Phaseolamin) Clinical Study Results

In a clinical trial performed by Jay Udani, MD (Assistant Clinical Professor at the UCLA School of Medicine), a randomly selected group of obese subjects were given 1500 mg of Phase 2 twice daily with meals. Over the period of the eight week trial, which 27 subjects completed, the group using Phase 2 showed an average weight loss of 3.79 pounds, compared with an average of 1.65 pounds for subjects taking a placebo. No adverse effects were observed during the trial. The study was published in Alternative Medicine Review, Volume 9, Number 2, March 2004.¹

A double-blind, human pilot study published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine found that those who ate the most carbohydrates and took a supplement containing Phase 2 (Phaseolamin), lost significantly more weight and inches from their waist than the placebo group. When stratified by total carbohydrate intake, the Phase 2 group lost an average of 8.7 lbs and 3.3 inches off their waists, while the placebo group lost an average of 1.7 lbs and 1.3 inches. The results were statistically significant.^2,3

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 60 human subjects showed that those who took Phase 2 lost an average of 6.45 lbs in 30 days, compared to those on placebo, who lost less than 1 lb, on average. Those participants on Phase 2 also lost, on average, over 10% of body fast mass, and more than 3% in waist circumference. The study was conducted by Leonardo Celleno MD, Alessandra D'Amore MD, and Maria Toliani of the Cosmetic Research Center, Rome, Italy. Analysis was conducted by Harry Preuss MD, Georgetown University Medical Center; and Nicholas Perrricone MD, Clinical Creations Meriden CT. The study was published in the International Journal of Medical Sciences 2007.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over pilot study of 11 adult human subjects showed that starch absorption averaged 66% less in the group taking Phase 2. The study was conducted by Joe A. Vinson, Ph.D., and Donna M. Shuta, B.S., Department of Chemistry, University of Scranton, April 24, 2002.⁴

While each clinical trial may support the fact that Phase 2 (Phaseolamin) may be a tool in weight loss, it must be noted that each clinical trial conducted were very small and as such are not extremely statistically sound. In our opinion additional studies by other scientists, and larger studies are warranted before Phase 2 (Phaseolamin) can be touted as a relevant weight loss solution.

Phase 2 (Phaseolamin) Safety

Phase 2 (Phaseolamin) is a non-stimulant and is considered generally recognized as safe by independent toxicologists. Phase 2 (Phaseolamin) usually does not cause side effects. There are no known interactions with any foods, drinks, drugs or medications of any kind. However, Phase 2 (Phaseolamin)  is not recommended for anyone with an allergy to beans.

Clinical studies carried out on Phase 2 have shown that taking it before meals results in volunteers having lower blood sugar levels than those taking a placebo. If you are a diabetic, it is therefore recommended that you let your doctor know if you are considering use of Phase 2. It is also important if taking Phase 2 to consider increasing the frequency of blood glucose monitoring in order to prevent any possibility of hypoglycemia.

References

1. Jay Udani, MD, Mary Hardy, MD, and Damian C. Madsen. "Blocking Carbohydrate Absorption and Weight Loss: A Clinical Trial Using Phase 2 Brand Proprietary Fractionated Bean Extract". Alternative Medicine Review 9. 
2. Jay Udani, MD, Medical Director, Integrative Medicine Program, Northridge Hospital Medical Center, Northridge, CA; Betsy Singh, Ph.D., Dean of Research, Southern California University of Health Sciences (2007). "Blocking Carbohydrate Absorption and Weight Loss: A Clinical Trial Using a Proprietary Fractionated White Bean Extract". Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine 13 (4).  
3. Jay Udani, MD Medical Director, Medicus Research. A Novel Method of Lowering the Glycemic Index of White Bread Using a Proprietary White Bean Extract.
4. Celleno L, Tolaini M, D'Amore A, Perricone N, Preuss H (2007). "A Dietary Supplement Containing Standardized Phaseolus vulgaris Extract Influences Body Composition of Overweight Men and Women". International Journal of Medical Sciences 4: 45-52.  Joe A. Vinson, Ph.D., and Donna M. Shuta, B.S.. Investigation of an Amylase Inhibitor on Human Glucose Absorption After Starch Consumption.  

About the Author

Jeff Behar, MS, MBA