Chitosan is a derivative of chitin, a material that's extracted from lobster, shrimp and clams. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, chitosan is used to manufacture supplements to treat open skin wounds and obesity. It also is utilized to make a film for protecting food from spoilage. Long-term effects may include several serious side effects.
Warning
Weight loss pills and dietary supplements are not regulated by a federal agency, making them rife for possible contamination and misuse. Additionally, the most effective way to obtain long-term healthy weight is to change your lifestyle and consume fewer calories than you burn. According to MayoClinic.com, while chitosan may prove to be effective at absorbing fat, it cannot replace a balanced diet and exercise for weight control.
Function
Chitosan supposedly binds fat in the stomach to be secreted through the bowels. For people with high cholesterol is may help to lower the heart-threatening condition by carrying out excess cholesterol from the blood stream. As a treatment for wounds, the chemicals in chitosan compounds activate healing properties on the skin.
Effects
Chitosan may lead to nutritional deficiencies, because while it binds fat molecules in the gut, it also attracts fat soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E and K. Absorption of the essential nutrients becomes compromised when supplemental chitosan is added to the diet. According to Drugs.com, clinical trial results using chitosan to reduce cholesterol have been been mixed, with relatively low levels of cholesterol reduction reported. Topical uses of chitosan, which sometimes is applied to bandages, has been shown to control bleeding.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of chitosan are flatulence and constipation. Digestive tract disorders and gastrointestinal difficulties also may result from taking chitosan supplements. People who are allergic to shellfish should absolutely avoid the supplements, as they can cause adverse allergic reactions that can lead to rashes, difficulty breathing and convulsions. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid chitosan because it can reduce the amount of calcium and vitamin D in the body.
Considerations
Clinical studies have used chitosan in doses ranging from 0.24 to 15 g daily without major negative effects. The supplement also has been tested in patients with renal failure with no adverse reactions, according to Drugs.com. Chitosan is available in a variety of forms including liquid supplements and pill forms and as added ingredients in other delivery methods such as chewing gum and mouthwash.
