Chitosan

What does Chitosan 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% drop in cholesterol and a 10% increase in HDL (the ?good?) cholesterol.2 Anoth high in salt.

A preliminary study showed a 43% lowering 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.3

Chitosan 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.

Animal and preliminary human research suggests that chitosan may prevent the blood pressure-elevating effects of a high-salt meal, possibly by reducing the absorption of chloride. A small study showed that men taking 5 grams of chitosan with a meal ulted in no elevation in blood pressure, while the same meal without chitosan significantly elevated systolic blood pressure.8

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,9 a change that might help prevent diseases, such as colon cancer.10

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):

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.11 People with intestinal malabsorption syndromes should not use chitosan. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with chitosan