Deacetylates chitin bipolymer, or chitin, is extracted from the exoskeleton of shrimp, lobsters and/or clams. Chitosan is a dietary fiber derived from chitin and it is sold as a supplement for a variety of health promoting purposes. As with all supplements, you should talk to your health care practitioner before taking chitosan.
Mechanism of Action
Similar to other dietary fibers, chitosan is not digestible and it is thought to promote gastrointestinal health. The exact mechanism of action of chitosan is unknown; however, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) states that oral administration of chitosan results in the formation of a gel-like matrix in your stomach. The gel is thought to activate growth factors in your body. In addition, chitosan has a positive molecular charge. Due to its positive charge, chitosan is thought to attract bile acids, cholesterol and free fatty acids, which are negatively charged, and either block their absorption or remove them from your body.
Chitosan and Weight Loss
Chitosan is commonly marketed and sold as a weight lost product. It is purported to bind to fat in the gut before it is absorbed in the digestive system and bloodstream. However, MSKCC states that several clinical trials found no increase in fecal excretion of fat or weight loss in the study participants using chitosan compared to the placebo group. Regardless of whether or not chitosan blocks fat absorption, it may still be an effective weight loss aid because it is a calorie-free fiber and fiber supplements help promote feelings of satiety and suppress the appetite.
List of Purported Benefits
Preliminary research suggests that chitosan may lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol, which is considered the "bad" cholesterol that contributes to heart disease. However, an optimal dose and the efficacy of chitosan for long-term cholesterol treatment have not yet been established. More research needs to be done, but chitosan may also be beneficial to individuals with anemia caused by chronic renal failure. In addition, according to Vitamin-Supplements.org, chitosan may help prevent and treat bacterial and fungal infections. Finally, topical application of chitosan has been found to stimulate tissue regrowth and enhance wound healing.
Precautions
Chitosan supplements may cause gastrointestinal upset, flatulence and constipation. If you are allergic to shellfish, you should not supplement with chitosan. Chitosan binds to calcium and the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, and may reduce their absorption. As such, long-term use of chitosan may cause a deficiency in these nutrients and pregnant women should not supplement with chitosan due to this risk.
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