Chitosan is a complex form of sugar called a polysaccharide. It is used commercially for many purposes, such as an inducer of plant growth in agriculture and as a blood-clotting agent in medical products. One of chitosan's properties is its ability to absorb fat. This may make chitosan a useful tool for weight loss. Chitosan may also help reduce blood levels of both low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol. Consult a doctor to determine whether using chitosan is a good choice for you.
Shellfish
Chitosan is most commonly obtained from the shells of shellfish, such as crabs and lobsters. Shells that are removed during processing of shellfish for food are recycled for chitosan production. A natural compound in the shells called chitin undergoes chemical modification to form chitosan. Because of its positive chemical charge, chitosan attracts and binds fats that are negatively charged. When it mixes with the fatty contents of a meal, chitosan may prevent absorption of some of these fats.
Squid or Cuttlefish
Although squid and cuttlefish do not have an external shell, they possess an internal skeleton that contains chitin. During processing, this internal structure is removed before preparation and packaging of the animals for food. Chitin from squid and cuttlefish skeleton may be converted into chitosan, although it is not a major source in the West.
Bees and Other Insects
Bees and insects provide another potentially important source of chitosan, according to Dr. S. Nemtsev and colleagues at the Russian Academy of Science. Sources of chitosan from the shellfish industry may become limited in the future. Domesticated bees and other insects, such as silkworms, could provide a commercially important alternative source of chitosan, since the hard outer covering of these insects is rich in chitin.
References
- 3DChem.com: Chitosan
- Vanderbilt University Department of Psychology: Chitosan, Revolutionizing Weight Loss?
- CBS Business Interactive Network: Chitosan and Dietary Fibers: Research Supports Dietary Fiber's Role in Weight Control. A Unique Fiber From Shellfish Receives Special Attention
- Infolizer.com: Bees as Potential Source of Chitosan
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