Chitosan

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Chitosan Information

Chitosan is a positively charged lipophilic fiber derived from shellfish. It binds to negatively charged fats during digestion and reduces their absorption.

Chitosan and chitin are polysaccharide polymers containing more than 5,000 glucosamine and acetylglucosamine units, respectively, and their molecular weights are over one million Daltons. Chitin is found in fungi, arthropods and marine invertebrates. Commercially, chitin is derived from the exoskeletons of crustaceans (shrimp, crab and other shellfish). Chitosan is obtained from chitin by a deacetylation process.

Chitin, the polysaccharide polymer from which chitosan is derived, is a cellulose-like polymer consisting mainly of unbranched chains of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. Deacetylated chitin, or chitosan, is comprised of chains of D-glucosamine. When ingested, chitosan can be considered a dietary fiber.

There is some evidence that supplemental chitosan may have favorable effects on lipids and may be of some use in renal failure. There is some suggestion from available research data that it might be helpful in preventing atherosclerosis and could play a role in wound healing, some types of diabetes and liver disease or injury. Claims that it can help reduce weight, fight cancer, heal ulcers, aid digestion and boost immunity are as yet unsubstantiated.

Chitosan is a positively charged lipophilic fiber derived from shellfish. It binds to negatively charged fats during digestion and reduces their absorption.

Chitosan is available generically from numerous manufacturers.

Chitosan itself is the major source of the nutritional supplement glucosamine.

How Does Chitosan Work?

Mechanism of Action:

Chitosan is, at the pH of the gastrointestinal tract, a positively charged polymer and can bind to negatively charged substances. It is believed that chitosan, similar to cholestryamine, has bile acid sequestration activity and that this may be the mechanism for its hypocholesterolemic effect. There is some evidence that chitosan binds to bile acids and some evidence that the polymer affects the metabolism of intestinal bile acids. However, in contrast to cholestyramine, chitosan does not have consistent hypocholesterolemic activity. There is also evidence that chitosan binds to fats in the intestine, blocking their absorption.

The mechanism of action of chitosan's possible beneficial effects on renal disease in some is unknown. Chitosan can absorb urea and ammonia, but it is unclear whether this mechanism has anything to do with its putative renal effects.

Chitosan Structural Formula and Composition

How To Take Chitosan and Chitosan Dosage and Administration

There are several chitosan supplements available, and thus several applicaple Chitosan dosages. Those who use chitosan for cholesterol-lowering effects typically use 1000 to 1200 milligrams twice a day, taken before or after meals and with a glass of water. Chitosan can be contaminated with such metals as lead, mercury, iron, copper and arsenic.

Chitosan supplements should not be consumed within two hours of taking the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, carotenoids (e.g., lycopene, lutein), flavonoids (e.g., genistein, quercetin, ipriflavone) or prescription medication.

Chitosan Side Effects

Chitosan Precautions and Contraindications

Children, pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid using chitosan.

Those with shellfish allergies should exercise caution in taking chitosan supplements.

Consult your doctor before starting on any supplement whose effects you are not fully certain of.

Chitosan Drug Interactions

No specific Chitosan drug interactions are known. However, chitosan might bind to certain drugs, especially lipophilic drugs.

Chitosan Clinical Trials and Studies

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