Learn about Chitosan

Chitosan is a natural dietary supplement commonly extracted from the shells of crustaceans, such as shrimp and crab. It's a unique and natural source of fiber we all need. Chitosan has the amazing ability to bind to fats and cholesterol, encapsulating them before the body can absorb them. This effect is due to its positive ionic charge. Chitosan may have the ability to attract and discharge these fats and therefore prevent it from being accumulated as body fat (adipose tissue). There are no calories in Chitosan since it is not digestible. The fat binds to the Chitosan fiber and becomes a large mass, which the body cannot absorb. This large mass is then eliminated from the body through normal processes. Chitosan can trap as much as seven times (7x) its weight in fat. Studies have shown that Chitosan can effectively lower serum cholesterol levels. Chitosan not only lowers harmful LDL and VLDL levels, but it also raises beneficial HDL levels. When taken before or during a meal, it will bind to the fats before they are absorbed into the blood stream. Research has proven that it can significantly reduce the intake of dietary fat.

Chitosan may reduce the absorption of bile acids or cholesterol, either of which may cause a lowering of blood cholesterol. 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. Preliminary studies also 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.

Chitosan is derived from shellfish and should not be consumed by anyone with an allergy or sensitivity to any form of shellfish