AMBI's Patented Chromax-r- Chromium Picolinate Identified as the "Insulin Assistance Factor-tm-"

Business Wire, May 7, 1999

PURCHASE, N.Y.--(HealthWire)--May 7, 1999--

Researchers at International Symposium Cite Clinical Studies Describing

Its Beneficial Effects and Safety in Diabetic and Obese Subjects

AMBI Inc. (Nasdaq: AMBI) reported that research presented at the 10th annual International Symposium on Trace Elements in Man and Animal (TEMA) in Evian, France, identified Chromax(R) chromium picolinate as an Insulin Assistance Factor (IAF), citing its role in controlling glucose levels and enhancing insulin activity in people with different types of diabetes as well as those who are obese.

A study presented by William T. Cefalu, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine in the Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Unit at the University of Vermont College of Medicine described an improvement in insulin sensitivity in obese people with pre-diabetic symptoms who received chromium picolinate. An improvement in insulin sensitivity is one theory by which the onset of Type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented.

"The fact that chromium picolinate acts as an Insulin Assistance Factor is a critical finding," Dr. Cefalu stated. "Improvement in insulin sensitivity without a change in body fat distribution suggests that chromium may alter insulin sensitivity independent of a change in weight or body fat percentage, thereby implying a direct effect on muscle insulin action."

Fredric D. Price, AMBI's President and Chief Executive Officer said, "The identification of chromium picolinate as an Insulin Assistance Factor represents another step in the validation of this proprietary dietary supplement as safe and effective for certain people who suffer from insulin resistance. We are encouraged by the continued accumulation of clinical data on Chromax(R), which is presently being studied in additional double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in patients with Type 2 diabetes, to confirm Dr. Cefalu's observations."

Other research presented at TEMA demonstrated chromium picolinate's role in actually reversing diabetic conditions in patients who had developed the disease as a side effect from the use of prescription steroid medication for asthma and arthritis and who had failed to respond to conventional prescription diabetic treatment medications.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of the disease and affects approximately 16 million people in the United States alone. The condition is caused by the body's inability to properly utilize existing insulin. Without proper insulin function, the body cannot move blood sugar into cells resulting in potentially problematic elevated glucose levels. Diabetes can cause problems with kidneys, legs and feet, eyes, heart, nerves and small blood vessels.

Research on chromium picolinate shows that it is absorbed more readily by the body than other forms of chromium. Over the past 10 years, more than 9 million Americans have safely taken single and multi-ingredient products containing chromium picolinate with a variety of reported benefits. The safety of chromium picolinate has been clearly established in over 25 formal peer reviewed and published studies.

Chromium picolinate is one of the most bioavailable sources of the essential mineral chromium. Chromium is needed by the body for normal metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and protein. Under certain conditions and with age, many people may lose excessive amounts of this essential mineral, and therefore they may benefit from taking chromium supplements.

AMBI has patents on the composition of matter of chromium picolinate as well as on its uses in the areas of glucose control, lean body mass, and cholesterol control. Chromax(R) is a registered trademark of AMBI Inc.

AMBI develops and markets proprietary nutrition products.

The statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements based upon current expectations. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including risks and uncertainties set forth in "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in AMBI's Registration Statement on Form S-3 and the Prospectus dated January 13, 1999 and AMBI's Form 10-K/A for the year ended June 30, 1998. Actual results and timing of certain events could differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements as a result of these and other factors.