Pharmachem: Dr. Oz Should  Clarify Branded Vs. Generic

KEARNY, N.J.White kidney bean extract has been featured in the TV health show "Dr. Oz" in two separate episodes, as well as in three blogs over the last several months. While positive coverage has contributed greatly to recognition of the ingredient, Mitch Skop, director of new product development for Pharmachem Laboratories, developer of Phase 2® white kidney bean extract, said he is concerned about consumer confusion caused by generic white kidney bean extracts.

We are ecstatic over the coverage," Skop said . We worked with Dr. Ozs diet and fitness expert, Lisa Lynn, providing background for her interviews and are pleased with the attention. However, of late, we have become concerned about interest in new products labeled simply as 'white kidney bean extract.' Simple, generic white kidney bean extracts do not offer adequate potency or stability to perform like Phase 2 and will not provide the benefits nor the safety as described on the Dr. Oz program."

 Skop said Phase 2® is the first clinically studied extract of the white kidney bean shown to reduce starch digestion and aid in weight control. "It is the only white bean extract backed by numerous clinical studies for efficacy and is GRAS. Generic white kidney beans have no similar studies, and thus cannot make claims about starch reduction or weight controlnor are there any guarantees of the generic ingredients purity."

According to Skop, Pharmachem is working to address the issue and has requested that Dr. Oz reference the Phase 2 brand name in future stories about white kidney bean extract on his TV show, in his blog and on his website. In the meantime, the company is launching a new marketing program to the trade and consumers, designed to educate them on the benefits of its brand, Phase 2 Carb Controller.