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Chitosan
How You May Benefit:
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Block fat storage
Potentially assist in a weight-management regimen by limiting fat absorption
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Detoxify the body
Reduce the effects of bacteria in the intestines
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Improve cardiovascular health
Reduce total triglycerides and overall cholesterol levels
Overview
Chitosan may be the most hyped supplement at the moment. Touted as a miracle weight-loss agent, chitosan theoretically acts like a "fat sponge," absorbing fats before they can be stored. (You don't want to know what your body does with the fat then!) While it has been shown to reduce levels of blood fats, it doesn't appear to help much when it comes to fat loss.
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Amount: Studies show three to six grams per day to be most effective.
Timing: Chitosan should be taken no more than one hour before a meal, with at least eight ounces of water. (Because chitosan is a fiber-like product, drinking plenty of water throughout the day, at least eight glasses, may help prevent constipation.)
Consumer Beware: Because chitosan hinders the absorption of minerals and fat-soluble vitamins, experts recommend supplementing with minerals, fat-soluble vitamins (like A, D, E, and K—as found in high-potency multivitamin/mineral formulas), and essential fatty acids (such as flaxseed oil) at least three hours before taking chitosan to ensure proper vitamin/mineral intake/absorption.
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Chitosan is popular with people who want a quick fix to help them drop anywhere from a few pounds to a few hundred. While it could cause side effects that would limit your activity, it may be of some use to an athlete before a high-fat meal to limit the absorption of the fat.
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Safety Information
Safety:
Chitosan use is recommended only occasionally, for no more than three to four weeks at a time, or with an occasional high-fat, high-calorie meal because chitosan attaches itself to essential fatty acids, minerals, and fat-soluble vitamins. Robbing your body of these vital nutrients could lead to deficiencies.
Do not use if you are allergic to shellfish.
If you are pregnant or lactating, chitosan is not recommended.
Chitosan may cause stomachaches, diarrhea, and/or inability to control bowel movements. If so, discontinue use.
Known drug interactions:
Chitosan may reduce the absorption of some pharmaceutical medications.
Toxicity:
None known.
Bans and Restrictions:
None reported.
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References
Deuchi, K., et al., "Effect of the Viscosity or Deacetylation Degree of Chitosan on Fecal Fat Excreted From Rats Fed on a High-Fat Diet," Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 59.5 (1995) : 781-5.
Deuchi, K., et al., "Continuous and Massive Intake of Chitosan Affects Mineral and Fat-Soluble Vitamin Status in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet," Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 59.7 (1995) : 1211-6.
Ebihara, K., and Schneeman, B.O., "Interaction of Bile Acids, Phospholipids, Cholesterol and Triglyceride with Dietary Fibers in the Small Intestine of Rats," J Nutr 119.8 (1989) : 1100-6.
Kanauchi, O., et al., "Mechanism for the Inhibition of Fat Digestion by Chitosan and for the Synergistic Effect of Ascorbat," Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 59.5 (1995) : 786-90.
Ikeda, I., et al., "Interrelated Effects of Dietary Fiber and Fat on Lymphatic Cholesterol and Triglyceride Absorption in Rats," J Nutr 119.10 (1989) : 1383-7.
Pittler, M.H., et al., "Randomized, Double-Blind Trial of Chitosan for Body Weight Reduction," Eur J Clin Nutr 53.5 (1999) : 379-81.
Razdan, A., and Pettersson, D., "Hypolipidaemic, Gastrointestinal and Related Responses of Broiler Chickens to Chitosans of Different Viscosity," Br J Nutr 76.3 (1996) : 387-97.
Sugano, M., et al., "A Novel Use of Chitosan as a Hypocholesterolemic Agent in Rats," Am J Clin Nutr 33.4 (1980) : 787-93.
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