Beanblock® (White Kidney Bean Extract — Indena)

Beanblock® is a standardized white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) extract from Indena that contains natural alpha-amylase inhibitors, compounds that temporarily slow the digestion of dietary starch.

Beanblock is researched primarily for Weight Management. In a single open-label pilot in mildly overweight adults, the group taking the standardized bean extract lost more weight over 12 weeks than a diet-only group.

The clinically studied dose is 50 mg twice daily (100 mg per day) for 12 weeks, the dose used in the single Beanblock pilot. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

For most healthy adults, Beanblock is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated — digestive symptoms are the most common. Mild gas, bloating, or loose stools can occur from undigested starch reaching the colon. It may also interact with some medications. Beanblock is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Possible interactions include: Diabetes medication — may add to blood-sugar-lowering effects; monitor. Take with starchy meals, not with pure protein or fat meals, for the intended effect. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Beanblock as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 1 clinical trial and 1 cited reference summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.