The Science Behind PGX®.
A brief history
PolyGlycopleX® (α-D-glucurono-α-D-manno-β-D-manno- β-D-gluco, α-L-gulurono-β-D mannurono, β-D-gluco-β- D-mannan), commonly known as PGX, is a natural polysaccharide complex. It comprises three materials that are combined in a proprietary way. In the early nineties, researchers in the UK determined that two of these viscous polysaccharides had a synergistic effect.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia and the Canadian Centre for Functional Medicine made the remarkable discovery that the addition of a specific third polysaccharide led to a product with an unexpected developing viscosity that was far higher than any of its individual components.
A Patented Composition.
The method by which the water-soluble polysaccharides are transformed into PGX® is a process known as EnviroSimplex – a proprietary, high-technology process that combines and reacts naturally-occurring raw materials under highly controlled to create tiny compressed micro-tablet granules. Each softgel capsule, granule or powder product contains the precise ratio of components needed for maximum benefit, based on extensive research and development. All manufacturing, processing and packaging steps required for PGX meet or exceed government and industry standards and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) are adhered to. PGX also has a USP Standard (1st of March 2013, 2nd Supplement to FCC8) and the composition of PGX is patent protected (USA: 8062686, Canada: 2604253, Australia: 2006235625, Russia: 2473245, China: ZL20068002078, Japan: 5161762, New Zealand: 589922; 589923; 561819; 579777; 583396, South Africa: 2010/01368).
Clinical Studies
- Meal replacements and fibre supplement as a strategy for weightloss. Proprietary PGX® meal replacement and PGX® fibre supplement in addition to a calorie-restricted diet to achieve weight loss in a clinical setting.
- Effects of added PGX®, a novel functional fibre, on the glycaemic index of starchy foods.
- Viscosity development during aqueous dispersion and dissolution: a comparison of PGX® with other dietary supplements and individual polysaccharides.
- Increased plasma PYY levels following supplementation with the functional fiber PolyGlycopleX® in healthy adults.
- Supplementation of the diet with the functional fiber PolyGlycopleX® is well tolerated by healthy subjects in a clinical trial.1
- Reduction of Postprandial Glycemia by the Novel Viscous Polysaccharide PGX®, in a Dose-Dependent Manner, Independent of Food.
- The Effect of a novel Viscous Polysaccharide along with Life Style Changes on Short-Term Weight Loss and Associated Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Adults.: An Observational Retrospective Clinical Program Analysis.
- Supplementation with the Functional Fiber, PolyGlycopleX®, Increases Fecal Short Chain Fatty Acids in Healthy Adults.
- Supplementation with the Functional Fiber, PolyGlycopleX®, Increases Fecal Short Chain Fatty Acids in Healthy Adults.
- Effects of PGX®, a novel functional fibre, on acute and delayed postprandial glycaemia.
- 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.
Everything you Ever Wanted to Know About the Science of PGX.
The Versatility of Delayed Viscosity
Complexation by processing (patent pending) results in the viscosity of PGX developing more slowly than any of its individual starting components, as illustrated below (Figure 1). This delayed viscosity development makes for a palatable product, unlike konjac (glucomannan), which becomes viscous virtually immediately and therefore can potentially lead to a choking hazard. Figure 1 also shows that the viscosity of PGX is greater than expected relative to its constituents. This very high viscosity level means that far less needs to be consumed, and its delayed viscosity (developing over 15 to 30 minutes) renders its incorporation into foods and beverages easier and more palatable.
