White Kidney Bean Extract
Also known as: Phaseolus vulgaris extract, Phase 2, Starch blocker, Alpha-amylase inhibitor
The extract contains phaseolamin, a glycoprotein that inhibits salivary and pancreatic alpha-amylase. Human trials show modest reductions in starch absorption and small weight effects of uncertain clinical significance.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-06 · 0 indexed studies
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Overview
White kidney bean extract is standardised for alpha-amylase inhibiting activity (measured in AI units). It is marketed as a 'starch blocker' that reduces the digestion of complex carbohydrates.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Phaseolamin binds alpha-amylase and reduces the hydrolysis of dietary starch to maltose, lowering glucose absorption from starchy meals. Undigested starch passes to the colon, which can cause fermentation-related GI effects.
Physiological Role
No physiological role — an exogenous enzyme inhibitor from a common food bean.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
No performance relevance; positioned for weight and glycaemic management.
Evidence Review
No human clinical studies indexed for this ingredient yet.
No meta-analyses or systematic reviews indexed for this ingredient yet.
Dimensions marked N/A have no indexed evidence of that class. They are shown as unavailable rather than scored.
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- ~500 mg (standardised) before a starchy meal
- Optimal Range
- 500–3,000 mg/day divided before meals
- Upper / Caution Level
- Not well defined; GI effects rise with dose
- Timing
- Immediately before starch-containing meals
- Best Format
- Standardised extract with verified alpha-amylase inhibiting activity
- Bioavailability
- Acts locally in the GI lumen; systemic absorption is not required.
- Absorption Considerations
- Effect depends on meal composition — irrelevant for low-starch meals.
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •Bloating
- •Flatulence
- •Soft stools
Contraindications
- None well established
Drug Interactions
- •Diabetes medications (additive glucose-lowering, theoretical)
Who Should Avoid
- •People with bean allergies
Monitoring
Monitor blood glucose if used alongside antidiabetic medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is White Kidney Bean Extract typically used or indicated?
White Kidney Bean Extract is most commonly used for: Carbohydrate-blocking supplements, Weight-management formulas. No physiological role — an exogenous enzyme inhibitor from a common food bean.
How does White Kidney Bean Extract work?
Phaseolamin binds alpha-amylase and reduces the hydrolysis of dietary starch to maltose, lowering glucose absorption from starchy meals. Undigested starch passes to the colon, which can cause fermentation-related GI effects.
What is the recommended dose of White Kidney Bean Extract?
The optimal range is 500–3,000 mg/day divided before meals. with a minimum effective dose of ~500 mg (standardised) before a starchy meal. Best taken: Immediately before starch-containing meals. Upper / caution level: Not well defined; GI effects rise with dose.
What are the side effects of White Kidney Bean Extract?
Reported side effects include: Bloating; Flatulence; and Soft stools. Monitoring: Monitor blood glucose if used alongside antidiabetic medication.
Does White Kidney Bean Extract interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: Diabetes medications (additive glucose-lowering, theoretical). Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid White Kidney Bean Extract?
White Kidney Bean Extract is generally not recommended for: People with bean allergies; and None well established.
How strong is the evidence for White Kidney Bean Extract?
Evidence level: Limited (overall score 35/100), based on 0 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (0)
No studies match this filter
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Research Overview
Limited EvidenceCite this ingredient
One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.
Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/white-kidney-bean-extract
SuppIndex. (2026). White Kidney Bean Extract: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/white-kidney-bean-extract
Based on 0 indexed studies · Evidence level: Limited.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Often paired with chromium or green coffee in weight-management products.