Chitosan is a supplement derived from the exoskeleton of crabs, crayfish, shrimp and other crustaceans. Because this supplement is derived from shellfish, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center warns that people allergic to shellfish should not use chitosan. Possible side effects from chitosan include gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, abdominal cramping and constipation, among others. There are reported benefits associated with chitosan use. A doctor should be consulted, however, before using supplements as they can interact with medications and affect existing medical conditions.
Weight Loss
According to PDR Health, chitosan is a supplement people take to lose weight. It is marketed as a fat blocker because it claims to block the absorption of fat from the digestive system. Chitosan is a dietary fiber that is indigestible in the digestive track. Because chitosan moves through the digestive tract undigested, the supplement claims to help cleanse the digestive tract of waste that may cause bloating and add extra pounds to the scale. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reports that several clinical trials examining possible fat-blocking effects of chitosan have found no increase in the excretion of fat from the body or in weight loss as compared to a placebo.
Lower Cholesterol
According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, or MSKCC, chitosan may be used as a supplement to help lower cholesterol levels in the blood. The cholesterol type that chitosan targets is LDL, or low density lipoprotein. LDL is often called the "bad" kind of cholesterol as it accumulates in the body and can lead to heart disease. The MSKCC adds that no optimal dose or long-term efficacy has been established for using chitosan to lower cholesterol levels.
Faster Wound Healing
The website Vitamins-Supplements says that when used topically, chitosan has been shown to help wounds heal faster. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center lists wound healing as a possible benefit of taking chitosan, but adds that no medical research is available to support this claim.
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