Chitosan
Chitosan
comes from chitin, which is found in
crustacean shells, lobster, shrimp, and crabs. This polymer
has a positive electrical charge. When taken orally, it theoretically
binds to negatively charged fat molecules. This is supposed to prevent
the absorption of fat by your intestines.
There
are some studies on it that show
about a 7 lb 4 oz weight loss. These studies were performed by the same
people and there are some concerns about how the studies were
conducted. Some higher quality studies have shown that this
supplement does not help in weight loss. In studies on healthy people,
there was no increased amount of fat found in their stools.
In
short term studies, chitosan appears to be harmless. However, some side
effects can occur. Certain vitamins need to be absorbed along
with fat, and it may prevent them from being absorbed. There are
theoretical concerns about interference with the blood's ability to
form clots. It has also caused low blood sugar in animal experiments.
It is important you
discuss any weight loss or exercise plan with your doctor. Only you and
your physician can decide what is best for you. Some people have
certain conditions that prevent them from doing all exercises, and goal
body weights may be different for different people. You need to discuss
all these things with your physician before starting any weight loss or
exercise program.
This
article was written by
John
Vickery, MD.
References
Am
Fam Physician. 2004 Nov 1;70(9):1731-8.
Lexi-Comp database
accessed on 4/30/08.
Int J Obes (Lond). 2005 Sep;29(9):1030-8.
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