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Polyglycoplex (PGX) is an extremely viscous and water soluble, super fiber that has been recognized for its ability to promote weight-loss. It was discovered by Dr. David Jenkins and his team at the University of Toronto. Research has indicated that five grams (3/16 oz) of PGX will absorb one liter (35.2 oz) of water. Polyglycoplex is approximately 5-6 times more soluble than any other dietary fiber discovered. PGX contains glucomannan, a soluble fiber from the root of konjac. Glucomannan is 3 times more viscous than guar and 7 times more viscous than psyllium. PGX can absorb 600 times its own weight in water.
What is PGX?
PGX, or PolyGlycopleX, is a supplement made from natural plant fibers called polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are strands of different simple sugars that are linked together in varying combinations to form complex carbohydrates.
How it is made?
The polysaccharides in GPX have been blended together in a proprietary process called EnviroSimplex. They include glucomannan, sodium alginate and xanthan gum. Glucomannan ferments easily in the large intestine, sodium algenate is a thickening agent and xanthan adds bulk to food. All three of these polysaccharides are viscous fibers that, unlike most polysaccharides, are water soluble.
Benefits / uses |
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Regulate blood glucose levels after eating |
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Increase insulin sensitivity for less fat storage |
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Lower blood cholesterol |
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Reduce appetite comfortably and safely |
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Reduce food cravings |
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Balance metabolism for more efficient fat burning | |
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Blood Sugar
PGX is a valuable tool for helping to manage blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. PGX lowers postprandial blood glucose in the body by 20%. It also decreases the body s insulin secretion by 40%. PGX improves whole body insulin sensitivity by 50%, which is unparalleled by any other product on the market.
Weight-Loss
Polyglycoplex works in a couple ways to effectively help promote weight-loss. PGX can be taken with water prior to meals to suppress appetite. It will adequately reduce feelings of hunger and diminish food cravings, making it easier to manage food portions and not overeat. The fiber in PGX stimulates more regular bowel movements. PGX will also lower the body s absorption of carbohydrates, sugars, and other nutrients. Consequently, PGX reduces the amount of calories the body is absorbing, which encourages weight loss. It has also been found to lower cholesterol levels.
Polyglycoplex was featured on the Oprah Winfrey show during a segment with Dr. Mehmet OZ as a healthful way to promote weight loss and glean good fiber content.
Best Form For Human Consumption
PGX is sold in gel capsules and granular form, which can be mixed with foods or beverage.
Possible Side effects / Precautions / Possible Interactions:
According to the PGX website, side effects are minor, generally temporary and include excess gas, bloating, loose stools and constipation. To lessen or avoid side effects, start PGX at low doses and gradually work your way up to higher, more effective doses. In addition, PGX should be taken with meals and should not be taken before bed.
References & Research: |
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Shatwell, K. P., Sutherland, I. W., Ross-Murphy, S. B., & Dea, I. C. M. (1991). Influence of the acetyl substituent on the interaction of xanthan with plant polysaccharides – III. Xanthan- konjac mannan systems. Carbohydrate Polymers,14, 131-147. |
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Matulka, R.A., Lyon, M.R., Wood, S., Marone, P.A., Merkel, D.J., Burdock, G.A. “The safety of PolyGlycopleX® (PGX®) as shown in a 90-day rodent feeding study.†Nut. J. 8:1, 2009: 1-11. |
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Carabin IG, Lyon MR, Wood S, Pelletier X, Donazzolo Y, Burdock GA. Supplementation of the diet with the functional fiber PolyGlycopleX® is well tolerated by healthy subjects in a clinical trial. Nutr J. 2009; 8 (1): 9. |
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Palma Ann Marone, Michael Lyon, Roland Gahler, Claudia Donath, Hana Hofman-Hüther and Simon Wood. Genotoxicity Studies of PolyGlycopleX (PGX)® : A Novel Dietary Fiber. Int J Toxicol 2009; 28; 318 |
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An analytical ultracentrifuge study on ternary mixtures of konjac Glucomannan supplemented with sodium alginate and xanthan gum
Ali Saber Abdelhameed, Shirley Ang, Gordon A. Morris , Ian Smith, Chris Lawson, Roland Gahler, Simon Wood, Stephen E. Harding Carbohydrate Polymers Vol 81, 2010: 141-148. |
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Harding, S.E., Smith I.H., Lawson, C.J, Gahler R.J. and Wood S .(2010) Studies on macromolecular interactions in ternary mixtures of konjac glucomannan, xanthan gum and sodium alginate. J. Carbpol 10:,1016-1020. |
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Jenkins DJ, Wolever TM, Leeds AR, Gassull MA, Haisman P, Dilawari J, et al. Dietary fibres, fibre analogues, and glucose tolerance: importance of viscosity. Br Med J 1978;1(6124):1392e4. |
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Reimer, R.A., Pelletier, X., Carabin, I.G., Lyon, M., Gahler, R., Wood, S. (2010) Increased plasma PYY levels following supplementation with the functional fiber PolyGlycopleX in healthy adults. Eur. J. Clin. Nutr.; 141: 1-6 |
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Jenkins A.L., Kacinik V., Lyon M.R., Wolever T.M.S. “Reduction of Postprandial Glycemia by the Novel Viscous Polysaccharide PGX in a Dose-Dependent Manner,Independent of Food Form.†Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol. 29, No. 2,, 2010: 92-98. |
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Lyon MR, Reichert RG., "The effect of a novel polysaccharide blend (PGXâ„¢ granules) on weight loss and other laboratory parameters in mild to moderately obese adults: an observational retrospective clinical analysis.", Altern Med Rev 2010; 15(1) 68-75. |
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Reimer R.A., Pelletier X.,Carabin I.G., Lyon M, R., Gahler R, and Wood S. “Supplementation with the Functional Fiber, PolyGlycopleX®, Increases Fecal Short Chain Fatty Acids in Healthy Adults..†In Press: EJCN, 2010. |
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Brand-Miller J.C., Atkinson FS., Gahler, R.J., Kacinik V., Lyon M.R., Wood S. “Effects of PGX®, a novel functional fibre, on acute and delayed postprandial glycaemia.†In Press: EJCN, 2010 |
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Grover GJ, Koetzner L, Wicks J, Gahler RJ, Lyon MR, Reimer RA, Wood S. Effects of the soluble fibre complex PolyGlycopleX® (PGX®) on glycemic control, insulin secretion, and GLP-1 levels in Zucker diabetic rats. Life Science, 2011, Feb 28, Vol 88(9-10), pp392-9. |
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Reimer RA, Grover GJ, Koetzner L, Gahler RJ, Lyon MR, Wood S. The soluble fibre complex PolyGlycopleX lowers serum triglycerides and reduces hepatic steatosis in high-sucrose-fed rats. Nut. Res., 2011, April, Vol 31(4), pp296-301 |
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Lyon M, Wood S, Pelletier X, Donazzolo Y, Gahler R & Bellisle F. Effects of a 3-month supplementation with a novel soluble highly viscous polysaccharide on anthropometry and blood lipids in non-dieting overweight or obese adults Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. Volume 24, Issue 4, pages 351–359, August 2011 |
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Grover GJ, Koetzner L, Wicks J, Gahler RJ, Lyon MR, Reimer RA, Wood S. Effects of the Soluble Fiber Complex PolyGlycopleX® on Glucose Homeostasis and Body Weight in Young Zucker Diabetic Rats. Front. Pharmacol. September 2011, Volume 2, Article 47 |
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Brand-Miller JC, Atkinson FS, Gahler RJ, Kacinik V, Lyon MR, Wood S. Effects of added PGX®, a novel functional fibre, on the glycaemic index of starchy foods. British Journal of Nutrition, page 1 of 4 doi:10.1017/S0007114511005447 | |
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