Chitosan is extracted from the exoskeletons of crustaceans such as clams, crabs, shrimp and lobsters. The substance is a type of fiber that's made from chitin. Chitosan may either reduce swelling associated with wounds, or it might actually cause swelling if you have an allergic reaction to the supplement. Before you begin using chitosan for any health purpose, consult your doctor to discuss the potential side effects, drug interactions and other dangers.
Function
Chitosan appears to provide cholesterol-lowering, antimicrobial and wound-healing actions, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Chitosan seems to bind to fats in the digestive tract and carry them out of the body as well. Topically, chitosan forms a gel-like substance that may block infectious microbes and stimulate tissue repair, notes Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Effects
Applied topically to your skin, chitosan may reduce swelling and other symptoms of wounds, as well as improve wound healing, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Chitosan appears to stimulate the growth of new tissues and inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Streptococcus. Chitosan is even used in some pharmaceutical products for healing wounds, notes Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Other Uses
In addition to improving healing and reducing the swelling of wounds, chitosan is also sometimes used to help treat high cholesterol and kidney failure, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Taking chitosan supplements may help improve weight loss as well, although research as of 2010 appears to suggest that chitosan does not significantly aid weight loss, according to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Additionally, chitosan could have the potential to help treat hypertension, prevent dental cavities and fight microbial infections, notes University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. No conclusive scientific evidence supports the use of chitosan for any medical purpose, however.
Dosage and Application
To reduce swelling and promote wound healing, you would apply chitosan in the form of a topical remedy to the affected skin area, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. For chitosan's other potential health benefits, you would take it orally. Typical dosages of chitosan supplements range from 3 to 6 g daily, taken with meals, notes the University of Michigan Health System. In addition to crustacean shells, chitosan supplements are more rarely found derived from certain fungi, yeast and squid parts. Ask your doctor about the dosage and application that's right for you before using chitosan.
Warning
Because chitosan is most commonly made from crustacean shells, you could have a potentially serious allergic reaction to the substance if you're also allergic to shellfish such as shrimp, crabs and lobsters, warns Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Allergic reactions can cause facial and tongue swelling, difficulty breathing and hives. Due to chitosan's fat-binding actions in the digestive tract, the supplement could also bind to fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K, reducing your absorption of these essential nutrients. The same danger exists for your absorption of certain minerals such as magnesium, calcium and selenium, cautions the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. These risks have led to concerns that taking chitosan supplements could increase your risk for osteoporosis and retard growth in children. Therefore, children, pregnant women and people with malabsorption disorders shouldn't take chitosan, says the University of Michigan Health System.
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