A new published study concludes that an all-natural weight loss product developed and marketed by Wayne State University researchers may assist in decreasing the risks associated with cardiac disease.
The study, conducted by researchers from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, Wayne State University and ArtJen Complexus Holdings Corp., was published in the August 2008 issue of Metabolism Clinical and Experimental. The journal is highly regarded by clinicians and researchers as an authoritative source of cutting-edge research on metabolic processes and diseases in the areas of nutrition, genetics and diabetes.
The study aimed to assess the effects of Alpha-Fibe FBCx, an all-natural dietary "smart fiber" weight loss supplement, on reducing elevated blood fat levels that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in an animal model prone to high cholesterol levels. Alpha-Fibe FBCx was developed by Wayne State University faculty members and researchers Catherine Jen, Ph.D., and Joseph Artiss, Ph.D., F.A.C.B. Dr. Jen chairs the Nutrition and Food Science Department in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Dr. Artiss is associate professor of pathology in the School of Medicine.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Major risk factors for heart disease include elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), obesity, diabetes, inactivity, cigarette smoking and a poor diet that is low in soluble fiber and high in saturated and trans-fats as well as cholesterol. Dietary fibers have been shown to reduce the absorption of dietary fat and cholesterol, reducing the risk of the disease. Alpha-cyclodextrin, the active ingredient in Alpha-Fibe FBCx, a soluble dietary fiber derived from corn, was used in the study to determine if the product may have additional benefits that could improve heart disease.
"The study concluded that Alpha-Fibe FBCx not only improved blood lipid levels, but also improved the fatty acid profile of blood as shown by a preferential reduction in saturated and trans-fatty acid levels," Dr. Jen said. "These results are so exciting because both of these fat levels are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, abdominal obesity and inflammation. Alpha-Fibe FBCx may play a significant role in decreasing the risks of these diseases. So far, no other food supplement or pharmaceutical have demonstrated such beneficial effects. Additional clinical studies will take place to assess the benefits that Alpha-Fibe FBCx has on humans."
The product's main feature is the unique ability to bind nine times its weight in dietary fat, thus removing 25 percent to 30 percent of the calories and 50 percent to 60 percent of fat from a typical North American diet. The NIH studies show that Alpha Fibe FBCx is a "smart fiber" that preferentially binds to saturated and trans fats.
Dr. Artiss and Dr. Jen formed ArtJen to patent the Alpha-Fibe FBCx technology process worldwide. They purchased the rights to the technology from Wayne State University and retained an exclusive agent, AVC Bio-Form Essentials USA, to bring the product to the worldwide market.
"Exercise and eating healthy foods are still important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but Alpha-Fibe FBCx is proving to be very beneficial for both weight and lipid management," Dr. Artiss said. "Alpha-Fibe FBCx may give those who are overweight or have been diagnosed with heart disease or other metabolic diseases, a chance of achieving a healthy lifestyle, ultimately leading them to a renewed interest in maintaining their health through exercise and eating a wholesome diet."
To learn more about Alpha-Fibe FBCx, the all natural, soluble "smart fiber," visit http://www.fbcx.org.