What is it used for?
Provides support for healthy (postprandial) glucose metabolism (within two hours after a meal) [Source note 2].
Helps improve (postprandial) glucose metabolism (within two hours after a meal) [Source note 3].
Helps reduce the (enzymatic) digestion of carbohydrates [Source note 4].
To be used with a program of reduced intake of dietary calories and increased physical activity (if possible) to help in weight management [Source note 5].
Note: The above uses can be combined on the product label (e.g., Helps reduce the digestion of carbohydrates and improve glucose metabolism).
Who does this guide cover?
Adults 18 years and older
How is it taken?
Oral
Which forms are covered?
this reference excludes foods or food-like dosage forms as indicated in the Compendium of references Guidance Document.
Quantities
Methods of preparation: Standardized aqueous extracts (Extract dry)
Glucose metabolism; Carbohydrate digestion
1.5 - 3 grams of white kidney bean extract per day, standardized to 3,000 AAIU¹ of alpha-amylase inhibitors, per gram of extract² [Source note 6].
Weight management
1 gram of white kidney bean extract, three times per day, standardized to 3,000 AAIU¹ of alpha-amylase inhibitors per gram of extract [Source note 7].
Notes: ¹AAIU = alpha-amylase inhibiting units. ²The potency quantity should be equal to 3,000 AAIU of alpha-amylase inhibitors per gram of extract. For example, if the quantity of the extract per dosage unit is listed as 500 mg, the quantity of alpha-amylase inhibitors should be 1,500 AAIU or if the quantity of the extract is 1,500 mg per dosage unit, the quantity of alpha-amylase inhibitors should be 4,500 AAIU, etc.
How is it used?
Take before meals [Source note 8].
How long is it used?
The reference does not require an additional label statement in this section. This does not establish an absence of risk.
Warnings and precautions
Ask a healthcare professional before use if you are breastfeeding.
Ask a healthcare professional before use if you have diabetes [Source note 9].
When should it be avoided?
Do not use if you are pregnant.
Possible side effects
The reference does not require an additional label statement in this section. This does not establish an absence of risk.
Storage
Must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the applicable product regulations.
Restrictions when this reference is combined with other references (source review category II and III):
If a weight management claim is made:
Weight management is a long-term process and must therefore, be associated with a long-term intervention.
active ingredient with diuretic properties may be included in weight management products, however no diuretic claim can be applied as it is associated with a short-term duration of use (occasional use only).
Stimulant laxatives cannot be present at therapeutic dose in weight management products as their short term duration of use is not compatible with the duration of use for weight management.
Preparation details
Ingredient identity, preparation requirements, and other details that define the scope of this guide.
Ingredients and preparations
| Proper name(s) | Common name(s) | Source information / Source material(s) | Source information / Part(s) | Source information / Preparation(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phaseolus vulgaris | White kidney bean | Phaseolus vulgaris | Seed | Dry |
References: Proper name: Barrett and Udani 2011; Wu et al. 2010; Udani et al. 2009; Vinson et al. 2009; Celleno et al. 2007; Udani and Singh 2007; Udani et al. 2004; Facciola 1998; Common name: Barrett and Udani 2011; Wu et al. 2010; Udani et al. 2009; Vinson et al. 2009; Celleno et al. 2007; Udani and Singh 2007; Udani et al. 2004; Facciola 1998; Source information: USDA 2025.
Other ingredients
Must be chosen from the current source ingredient database and must meet the limitations outlined in the database.
Preparation and quality requirements
The finished product specifications must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the source authority source’s product quality guidance.
The active ingredient must comply with the requirements outlined in the source ingredient database.
Amount of hemagglutinating units (HU) should not exceed 645 HU per gram.
Amount of trypsin inhibitor units (TIU) should not exceed 20 TIU per milligram.
Guide change history
Updates to this SupplementSafety.org guide.
Minor updates
Updated guide wording, organization, and source presentation. Added our editorial change history.
Initial release
Initial SupplementSafety.org guide prepared from source reference material.
Validation: Not yet completed. Editorial updates do not constitute clinical validation.
Sources
Source information
This guide organizes source material about uses, preparations, amounts, and precautions. Read the conditions alongside each statement; the information may apply only to particular preparations or populations.
The source document includes supporting references. We have not independently summarized or assessed every cited study for this guide.
- Source document version
- October 31, 2025
- Source captured
- Aug 15, 2026
- Editorial work
- Editorial preparation. Independent clinical review has not been recorded for this guide.
Full citations are available through the link above. Verification is required to open them; reading this guide does not require verification.
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