Nutrition technology company PacificHealth Laboratories said it has completed two double blind trials on an improved version of its Satietrol appetite control technology.
Dr Robert Portman, president and CEO of PacificHealth Laboratories, said the results showed significant improvements in both the efficacy and versatility of the product. "These new studies show that the improved formulation of Satietrol was, on average, 38 per cent more effective in reducing caloric intake than our existing product. In addition, we have been able to reduce the caloric content from 80 calories to 15 calories which is important for individuals who are on a caloric restricted diet," said Portman.
He continued that the new formula was added to a commercially available diet ice tea in one of the recent trials and that there were plans to develop a tablet or capsule form, which could substantially increase its market potential. "By reducing the caloric content of Satietrol and enhancing its efficacy, we believe that Satietrol can now be added to a variety of foods and beverages without modifying their flavor profile."
In the double blind, placebo controlled studies, researchers measured caloric intake following ingestion of the beverage. The mean caloric reduction in food intake was 12.5 per cent, with a range of 2 - 38 per cent. In both studies, 85 per cent of the subjects had a reduction in caloric intake, with 40 per cent of the subjects seeing a reduction in caloric intake of 15 per cent or more.
Pacific Health will be hoping to promote its product as an ephedra-alternative, as the herbal faces continuing legal implications owing to its side effects, and obesity rates continue to rise.
The improved formulation is covered under the existing four patents but a new patent is being filed for broader protection. The company also plans to field new studies by independent investigators to evaluate the use of, and gain further insight into, the enhanced form of product. Discussions with drug and beverage companies on licensing the technology are underway.