White Kidney Bean Extract

Last Updated: September 28 2022

White Kidney Bean extract, or Phase 2, is a dietary carbohydrate blocker similar to chlorogenic acid and is sometimes used alongside carb containing meals to reduce the absorption of carbohydrates. It does appear to work, but its potency is quite unreliable and relatively subpar.

White Kidney Bean Extract is most often used for

Summary

White Kidney Bean extract (also known by the brand Phase 2) is a carbohydrate blocker that works by inhibiting the digestion of starches.

By inhibiting their digestion, starches that are eaten are either left undigested in the gut or the amount of which is digested is reduced. These starches are either excreted and their calories not absorbed, or they are given to colonic bacteria to ferment (eat).

When given to people who are not otherwise on a diet (during their highest carb containing meal), white kidney bean extract is able to reduce body weight and body fat levels similar to simple caloric restriction. In cases of overfeeding, white kidney bean extract can alleviate the expected increase of body fat gain and blood parameters like triglycerides and blood glucose over time.

It is also possible that white kidney bean extract can protect against colon cancer in the same manner as soluble fiber.

What else is White Kidney Bean Extract known as?
Note that White Kidney Bean Extract is also known as:
  • Phaseolus Vulgaris
  • Phase 2 (Brand name)
Dosage information

Phase 2 tablets (800mg in weight comprised of 445mg phaseolus vulgaris) appear to be effective in reducing carbohydrate absorption. These tablets must be taken alongside a carbohydrate containing meal.

It is unsure if higher doses are significantly better at blocking intestinal absorption of carbohydrates or not.

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References
4.^Liener IE, Donatucci DA, Tarcza JCStarch blockers: a potential source of trypsin inhibitors and lectinsAm J Clin Nutr.(1984 Feb)
9.^Pusztai A, Grant G, Buchan WC, Bardocz S, de Carvalho AF, Ewen SWLipid accumulation in obese Zucker rats is reduced by inclusion of raw kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in the dietBr J Nutr.(1998 Feb)
10.^Layer P, Rizza RA, Zinsmeister AR, Carlson GL, DiMagno EPEffect of a purified amylase inhibitor on carbohydrate tolerance in normal subjects and patients with diabetes mellitusMayo Clin Proc.(1986 Jun)
11.^Boivin M, Flourie B, Rizza RA, Go VL, DiMagno EPGastrointestinal and metabolic effects of amylase inhibition in diabeticsGastroenterology.(1988 Feb)