Herstal, Belgium – A new clinical study, the full results of which are soon to be published in a renowned scientific journal, has just demonstrated the excellent results achieved with one of the company’s flagship products, KiOnutrime-CsG®, which helps combat excess weight and obesity.
Objective, results and impact of the clinical study
KitoZyme operates in three segments of the healthcare sector: digestive health, weight management and cardiovascular health. The study that has just been completed related to a product in the weight-management segment. More specifically, the objective was to verify and demonstrate the reduction in bodyweight in overweight and obese subjects due to the lipid absorbing capacity of the innovative product developed by KitoZyme, derived from a natural fibre of fungal origin.
The conclusion and results of this clinical study are very promising since patients recorded a clear, progressive reduction in their weight. Around one hundred patients were involved in the study, which also demonstrated statistically significant reductions in body fats and abdominal, hip and waist measurements in people who took KiOnutrime-CsG®.
‘In addition to confirming the company’s expertise, from the time they are published these excellent clinical study results should allow KitoZyme to proceed with its expansion, in particular in India and the Middle East, by offering a safe solution for overweight or obese people,’ stated Mr François Blondel, KitoZyme’s CEO. ‘Having already enjoyed a year of strong growth last year, we should achieve double-figure sales growth again this year’, he added.
The clinical trial requirements in detail
The multicentre clinical trial took place in four hospitals and medical research centres between the end of 2014 and the start of 2015. A total of 96 people, men and women who were overweight (BMI of 26 to 35) and aged between 18 and 65 years, were divided into two groups. The 64 people in the treatment group were given five capsules per day, each containing 500 mg of KiOnutrime-CsG® .The 32 people enrolled in the control group followed the same procedure but their capsules contained a placebo. All of the patients maintained their usual eating habits and did not change their lifestyle. Weight loss was on average 3.2 kg in the group receiving treatment.
The unique nature of KitoZyme’s chitosan
KiOnutrime-CsG® is a unique natural fibre extracted from fungi using a patented process developed by KitoZyme. It dissolves in 10 minutes in the acidic environment of the stomach. That means that a dose can be administered almost immediately before a meal and makes it convenient and easy for consumers to take. It is also suitable for vegetarians and is certified halal and kosher.
KiOnutrime-CsG® is authorised in the European Union under the Novel Foods Regulation and is also approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to bear the health claim that it maintains a healthy level of cholesterol (lipid) in the blood.
This active ingredient also holds GRAS (Generally Recognised As Safe) status as awarded by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Obesity worldwide The World Health Organisation (WHO) stated in 2014 that more than 1.9 billion adults over the age of 18 were overweight and 600 million of those were obese. The level of obesity worldwide continues to rise each year, both in industrialised and developing countries.
Obesity is associated with a significant rise in the risks of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular
disorders, diabetes and some cancers.
For more information, visit the website www.kitozyme.com
About KitoZyme
KitoZyme is active in the bio-chemistry and health sector. The company, based in Liège, is today the world leader in the production of vegetal chitosan. Based on its patented bio-polymers, KitoZyme designs, manufactures and markets medical devices, food supplements and ingredients which are today distributed in over 20 countries worldwide. The unique properties of chitosan have enabled products to be developed in the fields of weight management, digestive and cardiovascular health, as well as a series of specific applications.
