Creamy, delicious pudding isn’t usually considered a health food however a new functional pudding from Los Angeles, CA-based NEWtritious Functional Foods and Beverages might change that perception. The company recently initiated a clinical trial with Medicus Research to study its specially formulated Kherb Appeal weight loss pudding in an effort to demonstrate its efficacy on weight loss and satiety, while improving metabolic functions regarding lipids and blood glucose levels.
 
Utilizing a “progressive new protocol for providing accuracy and authenticity in clinical study compliance,” the pudding is the subject of two double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. The first was designed to substantiate potential claims that it might lower lipids and blood sugar levels. The second and most current study was designed to establish Kherb Appeal as a functional food, proving that it synergistic matrix of ingredients will be a “new paradigm for healthy weight loss, and institute a much-needed accurate standard for clinical trials now and in the future.”
 
According to Michael Arlen, founder and president of NEWtritious, Kherb Appeal instant pudding was formulated be a nutritious appetite suppressant that helps maintain energy levels and sustain satiety (without harmful stimulants), and provide the necessary daily-recommended intake of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Kherb Appeal contains ingredients that provide the mechanisms associated with weight loss, including increasing satiety, delayed gastric emptying, balancing gut flora, increasing insulin sensitivity, inhibiting fatty acid production, reduction of triglycerides, and reduction of lipids.
 
Mr. Arlen pointed out Kherb Appeal’s key ingredients responsible for satiety/cholesterol. Among them are Super CitriMax for the support of healthy weight without stimulating the central nervous system; PhosphoLean proprietary phosphobioflavonic complex which works by “switching off the feeding signals in the brain and increasing fat oxidation,” resulting in “decreased appetite, which leads to reduce food intake and weight gain”; and Well Trim, an all-natural, proprietary blend of Irvingia gabonensis (African Mango) seed that has been “used as an appetite suppressant and shown in clinical trials to help individuals eat less and lose weight, with remarkable improvements in their blood glucose levels.” In addition to African Mango seed extract, the pudding also contains soluble and insoluble fibers such as Glucomannan Konjac Root and Gum Acacia and Cellulose.  
 
As a “delicious pudding,” NEWtritious said its instant Kherb Appeal product easily whips up into an indulgent dessert, or if more water is added the product can be consumed as a nutritious shake. Kherb Appeal is available in seven flavors: Deep Dark Dutch Chocolate, Aztec Chocolate, Chocolate Mint, Lemon Meringue, Strawberry Kiwi, Dulce de Leche and Green Tea Citrus.
 
This current Kherb Appeal trial will examine the pudding’s effect on weight loss and satiety for an overweight and obese population, as well as in a population with impaired glucose tolerance. The 14-week study will include 160 participants and is targeted to conclude in August with results to be published at the end of the year.
 
As a partner in the clinical trial, Medicus Research designed the SysteMedicus technologies to visibly prove accuracy and compliancy through a real-time recording on Apple® mobile devices including iPads and iPods. The technology is said to help eliminate the potential for inaccuracies caused by human error and lack of off-site monitoring of participants. The patent pending SysteMedicus technologies include eConsent, eSource and eCompliance technologies which all ensure that the information is collected according to the FDA ALCOA standards (accurate, legible, contemporaneous, original, and attributable). This includes enhancing and documenting the informed consent process, and documenting accurate compliance of participation in the study by imaging, facial recognition with time/date stamps, and video interaction on mobile/hand held devices.