White Kidney Bean Extract is a concentrated botanical extract derived from the seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris (white kidney beans), standardised to contain more than 1.0% phaseolamin (HPLC). Phaseolamin is a naturally occurring alpha-amylase inhibitor — a protein that selectively blocks the digestive enzyme responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates into absorbable sugars. By inhibiting alpha-amylase activity, White Kidney Bean Extract effectively reduces the digestion and absorption of dietary starch, lowering the caloric and glycaemic impact of carbohydrate-rich meals.
White Kidney Bean Extract has strong clinical evidence as a carbohydrate blocker and is one of the most popular and evidence-backed weight management ingredients in the global nutraceutical market, particularly effective in Asian dietary contexts where rice and noodles form a large proportion of daily caloric intake.
Applications:
- Weight Management (carbohydrate blocker capsules, slimming supplements, starch-neutralising formulations)
- Blood Sugar Management (post-meal glucose control supplements, diabetic-friendly products)
- Sports Nutrition (carbohydrate manipulation and body composition formulations)
- Functional Foods (low-GI meal enhancement products)
Key Features & Benefits:
- >1.0% phaseolamin (HPLC) – standardised alpha-amylase inhibiting extract
- Clinically studied carbohydrate blocker with strong evidence base
- Particularly relevant in Asian markets with high carbohydrate dietary patterns
- Halal-certified & food-grade quality
- Suitable for capsule, tablet, and powder formulations
Ask for inhibitor activity, not only phaseolamin %
Phaseolamin is a protein that inhibits alpha-amylase. A percentage by weight does not show whether the protein is still active, because processing heat can denature it. Many suppliers also report alpha-amylase inhibitor activity in units per gram. Ask for both figures if you can, and for the test method.
Lectins must be inactivated
Raw kidney beans contain phytohaemagglutinin, a lectin that causes stomach upset if not destroyed. Extracts should be processed to reduce lectin activity while keeping the amylase inhibitor active. Ask whether haemagglutinating activity is tested.
Formulation notes
Because the active is a protein, avoid high heat in the finished product: the extract suits capsules, tablets and cold-mixed powders better than baked goods. It is usually taken just before starchy meals. Weight-management blends often pair it with Glucomannan or Chitosan.
What the research says
- A 2026 meta-analysis of 8 randomised trials (543 adults with overweight or obesity) found that white kidney bean extract reduced weight by about 1.6 kg, BMI by 0.6 kg/m², fat mass by 1.2 kg and waist by 1.6 cm compared with placebo. There was no effect on fasting glucose, triglycerides or insulin, and no serious adverse events were linked to the extract. The authors call for larger, longer, high-quality trials. [1]
- An earlier 2011 meta-analysis of 6 trials found that all had serious methodological flaws. Weight loss versus placebo was not statistically significant, while body fat fell by about 1.9 kg. The authors said the poor trial quality prevents firm conclusions. [2]
These summaries describe published research on the ingredient. They are not claims for any finished product; claims on finished products must meet the rules of the market where they are sold.
References
- Shi N, et al. White kidney bean extract reduces body weight and adiposity with acceptable safety in adults with overweight and obese: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Res. 2026;150:49-61. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2026.04.001
- Onakpoya I, et al. The efficacy of Phaseolus vulgaris as a weight-loss supplement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. Br J Nutr. 2011;106(2):196-202. doi:10.1017/s0007114511001516
Halal certification
This ingredient is listed as “White Kidney Bean Extract” on FC Materials’ Halal certificate (Sijil Pengesahan Halal, MS 1500:2019), issued through the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). Reference JAKIM.700-2/3/1 105-07/2022, valid until 15 October 2028. Ask us for a copy.
What to ask for on the certificate of analysis
- Botanical name and plant part (Phaseolus vulgaris seed)
- Phaseolamin content with the test method
- Alpha-amylase inhibitor activity (units/g), if specified
- Haemagglutinating (lectin) activity, if specified
- Allergen statement (legume)
- Loss on drying, heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury) and pesticide residues
- Microbiology: total plate count, yeast and mould, E. coli, Salmonella
- Batch number, manufacture and retest dates
