Alpha-Fibe FBCx currently available at GNC Corporate stores nationwide as a weight loss supplement

Wayne State faculty members and researchers Joseph Artiss and Catherine Jen.

DETROIT-A new 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., has been published in the August 2008 issue of, Metabolism Clinical and Experimental, a journal highly regarded by clinicians and researchers alike as an authoritative source of cutting edge research on metabolic processes and diseases in the areas of nutrition, genetics, diabetes, and more.

This 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 that is prone to high cholesterol levels. Alpha-Fibe FBCx was developed by Wayne State faculty members and researchers Catherine Jen and Joseph Artiss. Jen chairs the nutrition and food science department in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Artiss is associate professor of pathology in the School of Medicine.

Cardiovascular disease is the number one 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, thus 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," commented Jen. "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." Jen added.

The product's main feature is the unique ability to bind nine times its own weight in dietary fat, thus removing 25 to 30 percent of the calories and 50 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. Artiss and Jen formed ArtJen to patent the Alpha-Fibe FBCx technology process worldwide. They purchased the rights to the technology from Wayne State 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," stated Artiss. "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," Artiss added.

To learn more about Alpha-Fibe FBCx, the all natural, soluble "smart fiber," visit http://www.fbcx.org.

ArtJen was incorporated to complete the development and marketing of the FBCx^TM technology. The genesis of the idea
and initial development of the fiber that became FBCx^TM was done by Drs. Joe Artiss and Catherine Jen at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. To fully develop this technology, Artiss and Jen acquired the rights to the technology and formed ArtJen. To learn more about FBCx and its benefits, visit http://www.fbcx.org. For questions or comments, contact usa@bfessentials.com

Wayne State University is one of the nation's pre-eminent public research universities in an urban setting. Through its multidisciplinary approach to research and education, and its ongoing collaboration with government, industry and other institutions, the university seeks to enhance economic growth and improve the quality of life in the city of Detroit, state of Michigan and throughout the world. Nothing in this News Release is intended as an endorsement by Wayne State University of any commercial product.