Fighting Obesity and Making a Difference.

Obesity is rapidly reaching epidemic proportions. It is also a precursor to a variety of ailments and illnessses. This article describes formulation of a nutritional weight loss product which would help fight obesity.

Hoodia Gordonii is a shrub found in Southern parts of Africa. The aerial parts of this succulent shrub have been used for centuries by local tribes as appetite suppresant during long hunting trips and other medicinal purposes. Recognizing its appetite-suppresant qualities, it was a logical choice to be introduced as a dietary supplement in the West for weight loss supplements. Hoodia Gordonii became a instant hit when it was reported on radio and TV shows in 2003-2004. Demand for Hoodia Gordonii supplements soared and prices for Hoodia Gordonii sky-rocketed. It was only a matter of time when the demand far out-stripped local production in Africa. Soon all other plants from Hoodia Gordonii species, growing in other parts of the world made their way into these supplements. Often these species would have no known/demonstrated appetite suppresant qualities, but were available at a fraction of the cost of authentic Hoodia Gordonii. Authentic Hoodia Gordonii comes with proper documentation from CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna), USDA import permit (United States Department of Agriculture) and testing results from an approved lab (HPTLC, HPLC and Microscopy). Starting with an authentic sample of Hoodia Gordonii, formulation process started. Some of the traits to be addressed: - What characteristics would the drink have? - Now that appetite is suppressed, where would the person get their energy? - How would the person get enough fiber? - Is it suitable for diabetics? - What about the sodium content? - What flavor should the drink have? Its mouth feel? Does it provide a satiety effect upon consumption? Formulating a product is exciting and innovative. It involves creativity and addressing the requirements of your customers and consumers. Six months later, the product finally took shape and prototypes were made. By all initial feedback, the product was well liked by taste panels, and distributors were ready to take this to market. So where can you buy this product? Well the product is not yet in the market. We are waiting for next round of funding. But it is satisfying to have created the product which is market ready, has passed tests taste panels and meets/exceeds expectations. But is it enough? Not really! Ultimate success would be seeing it in the marketplace - in consumers hands. Making a real difference in the fight against Obesity. It's time to locate the next round of funding!

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Saiom Technologies Inc. formulates, develops and manufactures products for cosmetic, nutritional and OTC pharmaceutical markets.