Indena releases Beanblock

Control of body weight represents today one of the most relevant target in the management of the epidemic problem of overweight and consequently with all the health risks connected with this condition, particularly when associated with hypertension and glucose intolerance. The possibility to control dietary carbohydrates metabolism and absorption seems a very promising approach. This has been partially achieved in recent years by using the so-called starch-blockers mostly connected with the inhibition of α-amylase, the most important enzyme involved in the gastrointestinal degradation of starch.

Starting from these concerns Indena has developed Beanblock, looking at the possibility to add new values to products provided with the capacity to modulate carbohydrate metabolism and absorption.

Beanblock is a patented purified bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) extract obtained from a single and specific Italian bean variety (Lamon) particularly rich in α-amylase inhibitor. Oral administration in healthy volunteers has shown that when employed as a supplement in a mixed Mediterranean balanced meal Banblock positively affects glucose metabolism; it also modulates ghrelin secretion and induces a longer duration of satiety, thus suggesting a potential use to control excessive food intake.