All About Chitosan
Chitosan is a naturally occurring fat inhibitor. It has the potential to revolutionize the process of losing weight and by so doing, reduce the incidence of some of the most
devastating diseases we face today. Chitosan attracts fat and converts it to a form the human body does not absorb. Consequently, by binding to fat, Chitosan renders it
completely indigestible, thereby negating it's caloric value. Chitosan-bound fat leaves the intestinal tract having never entered the bloodstream in the first place.Chitosan is remarkable in that it has the ability to absorb 6 to 8 times its weight in fat and oils
In addition, because it acts like a super Fiber, supplementing the diet with Chitosan can be considered part of the cleansing process so vital to weight loss. If these two
attributes weren't good enough, Chitosan possess many other valuable properties that work to promote health and prevent disease. It would be a gross understatement to
say that the substance is anything less than remarkable.CHITOSAN: A BRIEF HISTORY
Chitosan has a history of about three decades of use in processes like detoxifying water. When Chitosan is spread over the surface of water, it literally absorbs greases,
oils, heavy metals and other potentially toxic substances. Like a "fat magnet," it attracts these big-hazardous substances from drinking water to such an extent that a
scum forms in the water, which can be easily removed. Water purification plants throughout the nation use Chitosan for this purpose. What this indicated to scientists
was that Chitosan can selectively absorb fats even in a water medium.WHAT EXACTLY IS CHITOSAN?
Chitosan is a natural product derived from chitin, a polysaccharide found in the exoskeleton of shellfish like shrimp or crabs. While it has been in existence for millennia,
its current form has just recently been prepared. Technically speaking Chitosan is a naturally occurring substance that is chemically similar to cellulose, which is a plant
fiber. Like plant fibers, Chitosan possesses many of the same properties as fiber, however unlike plant fiber, it has the ability to significantly bind fat, acting like a "fat
sponge" in the digestive tract.The process of synthesizing Chitosan involves taking the shells of shrimp or crabs, grinding them to a fine powder and then deacetylating this powder. This refers to
taking off specific chemical groups so that the remaining compound is more active in its ability to soak up fats.Like some plant fibers, Chitosan is not digestible, therefore it has no caloric value. No matter how much Chitosan you ingest, its calorie count remains at zero. This is a
very important property for any weight loss product.FUNCTIONS OF CHITOSAN
ABSORBS AND BINDS FAT/PROMOTES WEIGHT LOSS
INHIBITS LDL CHOLESTEROL AND BOOSTS HDL CHOLESTEROL
PROMOTES HEALING OF ULCERS/LESIONS
ANTIBACTERIAL ANTI CANDIDA
ACTS AS AN ANTACID
INHIBITS THE FORMATION OF PLAQUE/TOOTH DECAY
HELPS TO CONTROL BLOOD PRESSURE
MAY TREAT AND PREVENT IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
HELPS TO PREVENT CONSTIPATION
CALCIUM ENHANCER/BONE STRENGTHENER
REDUCES BLOOD LEVELS OF URIC ACID
ANTI-TUMOR ACTIONUnder optimal conditions, Chitosan can bind 6 to 8 times its weight with all the lipid aggregates tested. Studies in Helsinki have shown that those individuals taking
Chitosan lost an average of 8 percent of their body weight in a week. Chitosan increased its oil-holding capacity over other fibers.CHOLESTEROL CONTROL
Chitosan has the very unique ability to lower LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) while boosting HDL cholesterol (the good kind). Laboratory tests performed on rats showed
that "Chitosan depresses serum and liver cholesterol levels in cholesterol-fed rats without affecting performance, organ weight or the nature of the feces". Japanese
researchers have concluded that Chitosan "appears to be an effective hypocholesterolemic agent". In other words, it can effectively lower blood serum cholesterol levels
with not apparent side effects.Studies show that Chitosan is as effective as cholestryramine (a cholesterol lowering drug) in controlling blood serum cholesterol without the deleterious side effects
typical of cholestryramine.Chitosan decreased blood cholesterol levels by 66.2 percent.
Chitosan effectively lowered cholesterol absorption more than guar gum or cellulose.
Laboratory test results indicated that a 7.5% Chitosan formula maintained adequate cholesterol levels in rats, despite a dramatic increase in the intake of cholesterols'
ANTIBACTERIAL / ANTICANDIDA PROPERTIES OF CHITOSAN
Chitosan has been effectively used to treat acne due to its ability to inhibit certain bacteria which cause the inflammation associated with acne. Chitosan has exhibited
the ability to kill candida in clinical tests involving mice due to its effect on protease action. When used as a food preservative, Chitosan exhibited stronger bactericidal
activity than lactic acid. In some tests, Chitosan even demonstrated a dramatic antiparasitic action. Chitosan very impressively reduced the amount of bacterial
translocation which can occur after a burn injury. It is believed that by reducing the bacterial population of the colon, the potential for a life threatening infection to set in
after a trauma is decreased.NOTE: Chitosan also demonstrated that it has the ability to kill certain viruses.
WOUND AND ULCER HEALING AND CHITOSAN
Tests using topical applications of Chitosan found that it promoted the faster healing of wounds or abscesses that had become infected with staph infection.
Topical applications of Chitosan decreased coagulation time which is vital to the healing of wounds like bleeding ulcers.
CHITOSAN IS A NATURAL ANTACID
Japan has already issued a patent for using Chitosan as a very effective and highly safe antacid.
ANTI-PLAQUE ACTION OF CHITOSAN IN THE MOUTH
Because of its antacid action, Chitosan raises the pH in the mouth and binds to the bacteria that cause the formation of dental plaque and subsequent tooth decays
CHITOSAN AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Some clinical studies have found that Chitosan worked as an antihypertensive agent and lowered blood pressure in male subjects which were fed a high salt diets "
Chitosan has the ability to decrease blood levels of chloride which influences the activity of an angiotensin converting enzyme. Angiotensin is vital to the maintenance of
normal blood pressured.CHITOSAN AND URIC ACID
High protein diets that come from animal sources can cause uric acid levels to rise and for some people that means a bout with gout. Chitosan has the ability to lower
uric acid levels.THE ANTI-TUMOR ACTION OF CHITOSAN
Clinical tests conducted with in vitro tumor cells found that Chitosan showed a strong inhibitory activity on each of the tumor cells while chitin did not.
CHITOSAN AS A FAT BLOCKER
While all the above properties of Chitosan are valuable, its extraordinary ability to block or bind fats promises to be its most valuable asset. As mentioned previously,
getting rid of fat after it has been stored as adipose tissue is much more difficult than neutralizing its effects before it enters the blood stream. Chitosan accomplishes this
very formidable task by converting fat into a form that the body does not absorb. It becomes an inert substance which is readily expelled from the body.HOW DOES CHITOSAN WORK?
Chitosan affects fat in the stomach before it has a chance to become metabolized. It dissolves within the stomach itself and converts into a gel which "captures" fat,
thereby preventing its absorption and subsequent storage. Chitosan renders the fat useless to the body. Technically, it creates a "grease ball" out of excess fat which is
too large to be metabolized. Both the Chitosan and the unmetabolized fat are excreted in the stool.Simply stated:
Chitosan binds excess fat molecules and fatty acids.
Chitosan binds dietary cholesterol
Chitosan reduces the absorption of all of the above
Chitosan can function as a non-digestible dietary fiber
Chitosan correlates with improved cardiovascular healthTHE REMARKABLE VALUE OF CHITOSAN
Any of us who occasionally eat KFC, a Big Mac, Whopper or a slice of cheesecake every once in a while can profoundly benefit from the fat absorbing action of
Chitosan. As a fat binder, Chitosan can significantly reduce the amount of fat that enters our blood stream. Chitosan binds to excess fats in the stomach and lower
intestine. The foods mentioned above are full of excess fat grams.If you take Chitosan with a fatty meal, a good portion of these dietary fats will be rendered useless.
CHITOSAN ENABLES THE BODY TO BYPASS THE METABOLIC PROCESSES NECESSARY TO BIOLOGICALLY AND CHEMICALLY DEAL WITH
THE PRESENCE OF FAT IN THE STOMACH AND INTESTINES.Remember when we discussed how the liver has to deal with excess fat? Chitosan decreases the liver's work load which lightens the stress put on other body organs by
the presence of excess fat. In other words, Chitosan eases the metabolic processes that kick in after we eat excess fat. As far as our organs know, those fat grams
never in the first place.WHY CHITOSAN IS CALLED THE FIBER OF THE FUTURE
After years of fiber "hyping" most of us are well aware of the profound benefits that fiber has for human health and longevity. Fiber is considered a dieter's best friend.
The International Journal of Obesity has stated that adding dietary fiber to a low fat diet can help reduce hunger and increase the number of bowel movements; two
actions which greatly enhance weight loss. Fiber has also been linked to slower rises in blood glucose which also profoundly affect how we store excess calories and
when we feel hungry. In some respects, Chitosan is superior to plant fibers in that it forms a gel that is both more fluid and more stable. Imagine a fiber that can do all of
these things and binds fats in the process. Chitosan is just such a substance. Chitosan is a positively charged fiber that binds to negatively charged fatty acids.
Technically speaking, this means that Chitosan is "lipophilic" meaning that it "loves fat" or is chemically attracted to it.A fiber that attracts fat is unique to say the least. Most fibers are hydrophilic which means they repel fat and attract water. Psyllium, for example, is used for its bulk
forming action. This type of fiber absorbs water and is easily passed through the intestine, helping to maintain a normal stool.Chitosan is different. While it possesses many of the same benefits as plant fibers like psyllium, it can inactivate fats. For this reason, combining Chitosan with fibers like
psyllium is highly recommended and can only serve to further support the weight loss process. Chitosan will bind the fat and the psyllium will speed its journey through
the intestines where it will be expelled.Chitosan is considered a crude fiber that can also improve the bulk of the stool. Stool samples tested in people who have taken Chitosan confirm that an increased
absorption of fat has occurred.THE BULKING PROPERTIES OF CHlTOSAN EXPEDITE WEIGHT LOSS BY:
1. INCREASING SATIETY
Chitosan creates a sense of fullness in the stomach which serves to inhibit the appetite and discourage eating.
2. INCREASING DIETARY FIBER INTAKE
The fact that fiber is the key to good health cannot be stressed enough. Experts have been touting the incredible health benefits of fiber for years now. Unfortunately,
despite their best efforts, many of us are still fiber depleted.3. NEUTRALIZING EXCESS ACID
If you visualize your stomach as a small waste water system, you can more easily understand that Chitosan works in the stomach much the same way that it helps to
purify water supplies. Frequently we add alcohol, fats, salt, carbohydrates, minerals and fats to our stomach mixture. Chitosan begins immediately to gather together
excess fats from this blend of substances which initially gives our bodies an advantage we would normally not have.SUBSTANCES THAT POTENTIATE THE ACTION OF CHITOSAN
Plant fibers can be likened to a bundle of string that can resemble a tangled mass. In order for the human body to utilize the benefits of fiber, it must "unravel." Chitosan
is similar to other fibers in that it too must unravel to produce its maximum benefit. Chitosan can absorb 6 to 8 times its weight in lipids.When certain substances are added to Chitosan, its remarkable fat binding ability can be significantly enhanced. Ascorbic acid is one of these substances.
1. THE SYNERGISTIC EFFECT OF ASCORBIC ACID WITH CHITOSAN
Ascorbic acid, which is a source of vitamin C, serves to enhance and augment the adsorbability of lipids. In other words, it makes the fat binding action of Chitosan more
complete. Clinical studies have discovered that supplementing Chitosan with ascorbic acid resulted in even less fat digestion and absorption in the intestines.The addition of ascorbic acid almost doubles Chitosan's effectiveness as a fat blocker.
2. CHELATED MINERALS ARE VITAL TO EXPEDITE THE WEIGHT LOSS PROCESS
The very best approach to weight loss is to nutritionally augment food choices with nutrient supplementation. Certain biochemical compounds are essential to promoting
vigor during the process of thermogenesis. Certain specific chelated minerals act to bolster, support and protect the organ systems of the body.For example, when fat is burned heat and energy are released. If a lack of certain minerals exists, energy levels will drop. Minerals help to transport needed nutrients to
depleted areas of the body, thereby stemming off the fatigue we so often experience after eating a fatty meal. Even more importantly, free radicals are released
whenever fat is consumed and burned and the presence of chelated minerals helps to expedite the removal of these metabolizes and facilitate the availability of fuel for
energy.CHITOSAN: SAFETY ISSUES
Chitosan may seem too good to be true. Can one product really accomplish all of the marvelous things Chitosan does and still be safe for human consumption? Chitosan
has been safely used for more than two decades.CHITOSAN IS A SAFE FOOD INGREDIENT THAT IS BIODEGRADABLE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY BIOCOMPATIBLE.
Chitosan is not only safe when ingested, it is also environmentally friendly. Other than its fat binding action, Chitosan remains virtually inactive in the human body. It is
low in toxicity and allergic properties and is considered safe. Some people who have taken Chitosan have softer bowel movements, which is considered a plus for most
of us. Studies in which rats consumed a diet of up to 10% Chitosan showed that no toxic side effects occurred.YOU SHOULD NOT TAKE CHITOSAN IF YOU HAVE ANY KIND OF SHELLFISH ALLERGY OR ARE PREGNANT OR BREAST FEEDING!
NOTE: Whenever taking any form of fiber, drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day is highly recommended.
CHITOSAN PROVIDES A REALISTIC APPROACH TO FAT AND FIBER INTAKE
Low fat, high fiber advocates have recommended a diet that is calorically fueled between 10 and 20 percent fat and includes 35 to 45 grams of fiber. Unfortunately,
most of us, no matter how good our intentions are, will not be able to sustain this type of diet. Therefore, if we are going to face facts, a diet that reduces fat intake from
20 to 30 percent and increases fiber to 20 or 30 grams is much more feasible in controlling weight, avoiding artery disease and promoting good colon health.Taking Chitosan prior to eating a meal can make dietary fat goals much more attainable while promoting a number of desirable health benefits. Because obesity ranks
among the top ten diseases (which, by the way, are almost all related to obesity), the notion of a safe, health-promoting fat blocker is desirable.Weight control needs to be realistic and effective. Workable weight loss programs are few and far between and usually involve a life style that many of us can never
incorporate. While Chitosan is not a panacea for maintaining our youthful figures, it is a very powerful dietary complement which can facilitate what might otherwise be
unattainable. Lowering the amount of dietary fats we eat, exercising more and making sure we get enough fiber seems to be the winning combination for health and
longevity. Chitosan will inevitably serve as a valuable vehicle for attaining optimal nutrition and robust health.Chitosan References
Fat inhibitor, (1,2,3,4,5,6,7).
Chitosan inhibits fat digestion (9,5,7).
Chitosan is Biodegradable and Biocompatible (6, 8).
Traps fat (9).
Chitosan has better lipid binding than some prescription cholesterol-fighting drugs (1,10).
Chitosan binds with 4-6 times its own weight of lipids, foods and blood fats (2).
Lowers cholesterol, and triglycerides (11).
Safety (5,6)
1. Michihiro, S. et al, "Hypocholestererolemic action of Chitosans with different viscosity in rats," Laboratory Nutrition, Saga University 1988
2. Nauss J L, et al, "The Binding of Micellar lipids to Chitosan," Lipids 18 (10). 1983. 714-719 Chitosan absorbs 4-6 times its own weight in fat
3. Kanauchi, K. et al. "Mechanism for the inhibition of fat digestion by Chitosan," Bosci Biotechnol Biochem, 1995 May: 59 (5): 786-90
4. Deuchi, O. et al. "Decreasing effect of Chitosan on the apparent fat digestibility by rats fed on high fat diet," Bioscience Biotechnology and Biochemistry, 1994
5. Chobot, V. "Physiotherapeutic aspects of diseases of the circulatory system," Ceska a Slovenska Farmacie, Aug 44: 190-5, 1995
6. Chandy, T. Sharma, C.P. "Chitosan - as a biomaterial biosurface technology division," Sree Chita Triunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Poojandrum,
India. 19907. Vahouny G.V. et al. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Aug 1983, 38 (2) p 278-84, ISSN 2-9165, Journal Code: 3EY
8. LeHoux, J.G. et al. "Some effects of Chitosan on liver function of rats," Endocrinology, 1993, March l078-84
9. Zochina, Z.M. et al. "Inhibition of Chitosan of infection of t-series bacteriophages in the escherichia coli," Mikrobiologia, 1995 March/April: 64 (2) 211-5
10. Sugana, M Fujikawa, T. "Hiratsuji, Y. Nakashima, K. Fukunda, N. and Hasegawa, Y. "A novel use of Chitosan as a hypocholesterolemic agent in rats," American
Journal of Cain. Nutrition, April 1980: pages 787-79311. Birketvedt G.S. Clinical Report, Dovre Medical Center, Fjellhammer, Norway, May 1991
Facts About Chitosan and Weight Loss
Chitosan is a fiber product derived from the exoskeleton (or chitin) of shrimp, lobsters, and crabs.
Chitosan was developed by scientists in Norway as an aid in weight loss. It is a naturally occurring
fat inhibitor that entraps fat in the intestine and binds as much as 4 to 6 times its weight in ingested
fat. Once this fat is bound, it is unusable by the body. It is important to remember that even a
modest weight loss can reduce a person's risk of heart disease and cancer.Scientists have also processed chitin so that it has a high binding (absorption) affinity for
cholesterol in the digestive tract. Since cholesterol is normally secreted with the bile and
reabsorbed in the intestine, fibers like chitosan can help remove cholesterol from inside of the
body. The absorbed fat and cholesterol are excreted through the bowel, improving bowel function.Studies show that ascorbic acid (vitamin C) helps activate chitosan in the stomach and intestine
into a fat-absorbing gel. When ascorbic acid was given with chitosan to rats, far more fat was
trapped and excreted in the feces than when chitosan was given without ascorbic acid to enhance
the fat-absorbing effects of chitosan. Buffered or mineral ascorbates will not work as well.(Expert from Chitosan in The Directory of Life Extension Supplements, 2000. pg. 107)
Chitosan
Chitosan is produced by the hydrolysis of chitin, a naturally occurring
polysaccharide that is a major component of shellfish shell and the most
plentiful natural polymer next to cellulose. Significant attention has been given
to the role of chitosan as a cholesterol and lipid binding agent. This
hypocholesterolemic effect may be partially explained by both the positive
charge sites along its polymeric structure and flocculation and gelation
properties in the gastrointestinal tract. Once gelled, chitosan can encapsulate
over four times its own weight of negatively charged dietary lipids and thus,
prevent these lipids, including cholesterol, from being absorbed by the body.Although several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the inhibitory
effect of chitosan on lipid absorption, the presence of repeating amino groups
throughout its polymeric structure appears to be key to its functionality.Chitosan is soluble in stomach acid and its amino groups become positively
charged via protenation by the acid. In the presence of dietary fatty acids,
which carry net negative charges, ionic bonds form that bind the fatty acids
to the chitosan’s amino groups.As the soluble chitosan/fatty acid complex moves into the small intestine, it
also binds with bile acids and cholesterol that are present. The complex
absorbs up to 400 times its weight in water and begins to floc due to the
higher, less acidic pH in the small intestine. This flocculation further aids the
binding process by trapping or encapsulation all of the bound lipids, including
cholesterol.As the pH continues to increase, the chitosan floc forms an insoluble gel
consisting of chitosan, bile acids, bound lipids and cholesterol. The gelation
and subsequent insolubility of the chitosan complex prevents any of the bound
fats from being absorbed into the blood stream. This insoluble gel is passed
through to the large intestine and excreted.Not only is cholesterol uptake decreased, but it is believed that the
continuous partial removal of bile acids from circulation by chitosan triggers
the body to produce replacement bile acids via the oxidation of already
absorbed cholesterol. This produces an additional reduction in low density
lipoprotein (LDL) and a resulting overall decrease in serum cholesterol levels.Chitosan’s fat binding properties are not shared with chitin. The functionality
inherent to chitosan that allows it to bind to fats is blocked when in the form
of chitin and is only freed when the chitin is carefully cooked under the
strongly basic conditions necessary to deacetylate the chitin and produce
chitosan.Nor does chitosan share its fat binding properties with other naturally
occurring dietary fibers, including those that have historically been used for
weight management. Such fibers are either negatively charged or neutral and,
while swelling extensively in the gut, do not bind lipids, nor prevent their
digestion and absorption. These fibers include Konjac, cellulose, kapok, acacia,
agar, carrageenan, furcellaran, guar, karaya locust bean, pectin, and sodium
alginate. The effect of chitosan on lipid excretion is 5 to 10 times greater than
any other natural dietary fiber.Help from the Simple Shellfish
Back in 1811, a French professor named Henri Braconnot discovered that
mushrooms contained a substance called chitin. Technically speaking, chitin is
made of many molecules of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine hooked together in a long
chain, one after another. Chitin is a natural substance, quite similar to the
cellulose found in various plants. Besides mushrooms, it’s also found in the
shells of crabs, shrimp, and other shellfish.Other scientists, intrigued by chitin, studied and experimented with it. In 1859,
Professor Rouget found that when chitin was "cooked" in alkali, it turned into a
slightly different substance called chitosan. Thanks to the "cooking," the
chitosan is deacetylated, which means that the acetyl parts are pulled away
from the chitin molecules, leaving primarily the glucosamine units. These
glucosamine units, linked together in a long chain, have positive charges. And
those positively charged glucosamine molecules, all lined up and linked
together, give chitosan some amazing properties.Molecules, like magnets, tend to have positive or negative (+ or -) charges.
Molecules with opposite charges are attracted to each other, while those with
similar charges (positive and positive, or negative and negative) repeal each
other. These charges help the molecules decide which other molecules they’re
supposed to interact with and which to avoid.Chitosan has a positive charge. Both fatty acids (the building blocks of fat)
and bile acids (which are used to make cholesterol) have negative charges,
which means that they are naturally attracted to Chitosan. When fatty acids
or bile acids come near Chitosan, they grab on and hold tight. Now, instead of
fatty acids that can be used to build fat tissue, or bile acids that the body
might convert to cholesterol, you have a non-digestible blob that passes right
through the intestines and out of the body. The results of many studies make
it very clear: Chitosan inhibits the digestion of fat.Researchers realized that Chitosan had a great deal of potential, and in the
early 1900’s they devoted a fair amount of time and attention to its study. But
when synthetic fibers began appearing in the middle part of the century and
synthetic medicines began conquering age-old pestilences, Chitosan was set
aside and practically forgotten. It wasn’t until the 1970’s that scientists took
another look at this amazing natural fiber and really began to understand what
it could do for us.Thanks to numerous studies, scientists have
discovered that Chitosan has many health boosting
properties. This amazing fiber can;Absorb and bind up fat, carrying it through the intestinal tract and out
of the body.
Guard against heart disease and cancer by lowering blood fat.
Increase HDL (the "good" cholesterol).
Lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious ailments.Although preliminary, there are other promising benefits of Chitosan, which
may;Guard against gout and some kidney stones by helping to regulate uric
acid levels.
Speed the healing of wounds and broken bones.
Serve as an antacid.
Slow the formation of the plaque that causes dental cavities.Perhaps some of these other advantages will prove to be illusory. But for now,
we do know that Chitosan attracts fat and saturated fat and carries it out of
the body… and that’s saying a great deal!
Is Chitosan Safe?
Chitosan does not interact with the body in a dangerous manner, and it does
not add any calories or otherwise leave behind a mark. None of my patients
have had any difficulty, large or small, with the substance. My findings are
backed up by animal studies which have shown that "the toxicity of Chitosan
is approximately equivalent to table sugar or salt." In other words, you would
have to ingest tremendous amounts of Chitosan before you had any
difficulties.CAUTION: However, if you are allergic to shellfish, are pregnant or breast
feeding, or are under the age of 14, it’s best to seek advice from your
physician before trying Chitosan. Also, discuss the use of Chitosan with your
physician before using it if you are taking any medicines, whether prescription
or nonprescription, or have any diseases or ailments. As a general rule, it is
best to consult your doctor before starting any diet program.Sources: Fat Blocker Diet; by Arnold Fox, M.D., and Brenda Adderly, M.H.A.(Co-Author of The
Arthritis Cure).
?Chitosan is insoluble in water ?Chitosan solution's stability is poor
soluble in acidic solvent above about pH 7. At Higher Ph
below pH 6. precipitation or gelation will occur.
?Organic acid such as acetic ?Chitosan solution forms poly-ioncomplex
formic and lactic acids are With anionic Hydrocolloid and
used for dissolving chitosan provides gel.
and most commonly used is 1%
acetic acid solution (pH is about 4.0).?Solubility in inorganic acids is quite limited.
Chitosan is soluble in 1% hydrocloric acid
but insoluble in sulfuric and phosphoric acids.
Product Line
ChitosanWhat does it do? Like dietary fiber, chitosan is not digestible but may have beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Chitosan may reduce the
absorption of bile acids or cholesterol, either of which may cause a lowering of blood cholesterol.1 This effect has been repeatedly demonstrated in
animals, and a preliminary human study showed that 3–6 grams per day of chitosan taken for two weeks resulted in a 6 0rop in cholesterol and a 10
0ncrease in HDL (the “good”) cholesterol.2 Another preliminary study showed a 430wering of total cholesterol in people being treated for kidney failure
with dialysis who took 4 grams per day of chitosan for twelve weeks. This group also appeared to have improved kidney function and less severe anemia
after chitosan treatment.3Chitosan in large amounts, given with vitamin C, has been shown to reduce dietary fat absorption in animals fed a high-fat diet.4 5 6 Unfortunately, mineral and fat-soluble vitamin absorption is also reduced by feeding animals large amounts of chitosan.7 No studies have been done on the effects of chitosan on dietary fat absorption in humans.
Chitosan may also have an effect on bacteria in the intestines. A small human study found that taking 3–6 grams per day of chitosan for two weeks reduced indicators of putrefaction in the intestines,8 a change that might help prevent diseases, such as colon cancer.9
Where is it found? Chitosan is a supplement commonly extracted from the shells of crustaceans, such as shrimp and crab.
Chitosan has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Ranking
Health Concerns
Other
High cholesterol
Kidney failure
Who is likely to be deficient? Chitosan is not an essential nutrient, so deficiencies do not occur.
How much is usually taken? Most human research has used 3–6 grams per day with meals.
Are there any side effects or interactions? While no long-term studies of the effects of chitosan on human health have been done, animal studies
suggest that harmful effects on mineral and fat-soluble vitamin absorption, on maintenance of normal intestinal flora, and on normal growth in children
and during pregnancy are possible.10 People with intestinal malabsorption syndromes should not use chitosan.At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with chitosan.
Within Healthnotes Online, information about the effects of a particular supplement or herb on a particular condition has been qualified in terms of the methodology or source of supporting data (for
example: clinical, double blind, meta-analysis, or traditional use). For the convenience of the reader, the information in the table listing the supplements for particular conditions is also categorized. The
criteria for the categorizations are: “Primary” indicates there are reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a health benefit. “Secondary” indicates there are conflicting, insufficient, or only
preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or that the health benefit is minimal. “Other” indicates that an herb is primarily supported by traditional use or that the herb or supplement has little
scientific support and/or minimal proven health benefit.References:
1. Koide SS. Chitin-chitosan: properties, benefits and risks. Nutr Res 1998;18:1091–101 [review].
2. Maezaki Y, Tsuji K, Nakagawa Y, et al. Hypocholesterolemic effect of chitosan in adult males. Biosci Biotech Biochem 1993;57:1439–44.
3. Jing SB, Li L, Ji D, et al. Effect of chitosan on renal function in patients with chronic renal failure. J Pharm Pharmacol 1997;49:721–3.
4. Deuchi K, Kanauchi O, Imasato Y, et al. Effect of the viscosity or deacetylation degree of chitosan on fecal fat excreted from rats fed on a high-fat diet. Biosci Biotech Biochem 1995;59:781–5.
5. Deuchi K, Kanauchi O, Imasato Y, et al. Decreasing effect of chitosan on the apparent fat digestibility by rats fed on a high-fat diet. Biosci Biotech Biochem 1994;58:1613–6.
6. Kanauchi O, Deuchi K, Imasato Y, et al. Increasing effect of a chitosan and ascorbic acid mixture on fecal dietary fat excretion. Biosci Biotech Biochem 1994;58:1617–20.
7. Deuchi K, Kanauchi O, Shizukuishi M, et al. Continuous and massive intake of chitosan affects mineral and fat-soluble vitamin status in rats fed on a high-fat diet. Biosci Biotech Biochem 1995;59:1211–6.
8. Terada A, Hara H, Sato D, et al. Effect of dietary chitosan on faecal microbiota and faecal metabolites of humans. Microb Ecol Health Dis 1995;8:15–21.
9. Bone E, Tamm A, Hill M. The production of urinary phenols by gut bacteria and their possible role in the causation of large bowel cancer. Am J Clin Nutr 1976;29:1448–54.
10. Koide SS. Chitin-chitosan: properties, benefits and risks. Nutr Res 1998;18:1091–101 [review].
