Hi Guys!!

I live in Italy and at the moment chitosan is all the rage. I don't know if you guys have the stuff, anyway it's a vegetable extract which is upposed to absorb fat(?) and calories. You're supposed to take 2 tabs after lunch and dinner. Does it work? I was thinking that since on this woe fat isn't a problem chitosan could be useless, on the other hand, if it generally reduces calories it could be good. (I have discovered that I must limit calories a little as well as carbs: have lost 6 pounds in 10 days no chitosan).

Anyone know anything?

Thanks
Silvia

I got the following info for you from this website, http://talk.to/trainerdan I don't know much about Chitosan but when I have questions about supplements, I check the supplement reviews on this site. Hope it helps!


Chitosan
Does it work:
Studies on rats had good results.

Dosage:
Studies used 7.5% of total diet from chitosan

Our group:
We won't use it. The fact that it blocks fat absorption means that it will disturb the absorption of fat soluble vitamins. We feel that is too much risk for a possible benefit.

Short Version:
Chitosan is a natural agent extracted from chitin (a by-product of crustacean shell extract).

It is used to lower cholesterol, and more recently as a fat-digestion inhibitor. However, to be used as a fat blocker, chitosan must be used in large amounts (7.5% of your total diet must come from chitosan to get this benefit, according to studies). When used at the proper dose, chitosan HAS been shown to block up to 26% of the fat absorption in the small intestine.

The downsides:

(1) By "gelling" this fat, you will affect the absorption of your fat soluble vitamins A,D,E, and K.

(2) Some research has shown that chitosan may decrease calcium absorption.

(3) Since it is a seafood-based product, it may cause allergic reactions in some people.

Long Version:
None yet.

Thanks Fern, saved me a lot of typing. Also, for serious lowcarbers, it could also inhibit the absorption of the all-important fatty acids, especially the Omega-3 and -6, as found in flax, hemp and olive oil, and fatty fish oils. These fatty acids not only help with cholesterol and heart health, but have also been shown to enhance metabolism, and fat-burning. Who wants to block that??

Doreen

Thanks a lot Fern!!! That was really complete!

Silvia

No problem..... glad it was helpful to you!!