ANAHEIM, CA, MARCH 14, 2008– A medical text book, Obesity: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Prevention (CRC Series in Modern Nutrition Science), by Harry G. Preuss, M.D., Ph.D., and Debasis Bagchi, Ph.D., received a positive review in the December 13, 2007 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. The journal article, written by Margo A. Denke, M.D. of the University of Texas Health Science Center, addressed the treatment of obese patients.

Pharmachem’s Phase 2 Carb Controller®, an extract of the white bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is cited in two case studies within the text book. In 2007, Phase 2 became the first weight-control ingredient to receive two FDA-permitted structure/function claims, as follows: “May assist in weight control when used in conjunction with a sensible diet and exercise program;” and, “May reduce the enzymatic digestion of dietary starches.”

In summarizing Preuss’ book Dr. Denke wrote, “We are treated to short reviews of neurobiology, leptin, and ghrelin as well as solid chapters on environmental estrogens as endocrine disrupters, smoking and inflammation, and other oxidative stressors that may be contributing to the obesity epidemic. Regarding therapies, this book has solid chapters on diet and exercise but many more on specific ‘neutraceuticals’ – foods with purported therapeutic benefits.”

Mitch Skop, Director of New Product Development of Pharmachem, noted, “It is unusual for something positive in the natural products business to be published in the New England Journal of Medicine, much less a positive review of complementary and alternative approaches to the growing health concern of obesity. It is more than flattering that Phase 2 Carb Controller is included.”

Skop added that for dietary supplement manufacturers and retailers, the potential “trickle-down” effect could be a nice uptick in sales of Phase 2-containing products. “Physicians who are open to providing more gentle and effective approaches to weight management will likely be more inclined to recommend Phase 2 to their patients, who are in effect consumers. They tend to feel that any positive review by NEJM is a well-grounded endorsement of the particular agent or therapy. ”

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Headquartered in Kearny, NJ, Pharmachem Laboratories Inc. develops, supplies and manufactures a variety of high-quality, efficacious ingredients for the dietary supplement and food industries. Ingredients are manufactured under the strictest quality control according to GMP standards. Main product areas include vitamins and minerals; herbs and botanicals; specialty ingredients; and powdered drink formulation and manufacture. Standard operating procedures include testing every lot for potency, microbiology, organoleptics, and purity. For more information, call 1-800-526-0609, or log on to www.phase2info.com.