| Home > Site Map > Recommendations > C > Chitosan |
| Chitosan has the unique ability to dissolve and bind to fats and cholesterol in the stomach. Because Chitosan is mostly indigestible, it can then prevent these lipids from being absorbed in the digestive tract. Chitin and chitosan are also now being taken like acidophilus, FOS, and other supplements to speed the transit of foods through the digestive system and to promote the growth of beneficial live bacteria in the intestines. Chitin (pronounced kite-in) and chitosan (kite-o-san) are fibers derived from marine animals. Chitin is a polysaccharide-a string of sugar molecules-that are derived from sources like crab, lobster and shrimp shells, and marine coral, that are not eaten as foods. It is used to make various other substances, including chitosan, which is derived from chitin by heating it with a chemical solution. Chitosan, has the advantage of being more soluble in water than chitin Scientists have intensively investigated the properties and uses of chitin, chitosan, and their derivatives - collectively they are the subjects of approximately 1,000 scientific studies and hundreds of patents. The subjects lost an average of 8% of their body weight in a 4 week period. Chitosan's primary mechanism of action is well established. It is known to differ from other polysaccharides in that it has a strong positive charge that lets it chemically bond with certain compounds, especially fats and cholesterol. The ability to bond with fats and other substances is also the reason for many of chitin and chitosan's industrial uses. For example, spread on water chitin absorbs grease and other potentially toxic substances, which is why it is prominent in wastewater treatment processes. Thus, to prevent intestinal blockage they should always be taken with plenty of water. Also, these supplements can bind with essential fatty acids, fat-based vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and certain drugs, thus reducing these substances' absorption and effectiveness. Ascorbic acid (not buffered) seems to enhance its effects. |
| A Vegan Diet Chronic Renal Insufficiency |