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Chitosan History

Chitosan is a weight-loss and cholesterol-lowering aid that is derived from chitin, a polysaccharide found in, among other things, the exoskeletons of crustaceans (shrimp, lobster, crabs). Scientists have known about the substance for almost 200 years. It is now readily available as an over-the-counter diet supplement all over the world.

  1. Background

    • Chitin was first discovered in 1811 in mushrooms by Henri Braconnot, director of the botanical garden in Nancy, France. Professor C. Rouget discovered chitosan in 1859. Now there are more than 2,000 applications of chitin and its derivatives.

    Function

    • Chitosan has been used for nondietary applications since its discovery almost 200 years ago. But it has been marketed successfully for over 20 years in Japan and Europe for cholesterol reduction and as a weight-loss aid. Always follow the instructions of the particular product you purchase, but generally ione or two tablets are taken a few minutes before each meal.

      Chitosan is also believed to have many other health benefits, including boosting HDL (good) cholesterol, promoting the healing of ulcers and lesions, controlling blood pressure, reducing blood levels of uric acid, and helping prevent constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

    How It Works

    • Chitosan is similar to cellulose, the fiber found in plants. But its claim to fame is the ability to absorb 6 to 10 times its own weight in fat. It, in turn, converts the fat into a form that the human body does not absorb. So, the fat is flushed out of the system. Chitosan is also said to reduce triglycerides by binding to dietary lipids.

    Expert Insight

    • Studies on the efficacy of chitosan are difficult to come by. One randomized, double-blind trial of chitosan for the purpose of weight loss was run in 1999 at University of Exeter in the United Kingdom. The conclusion the researchers came to was that chitosan does not reduce body weight without the help of dietary adjustments.

      According to an analysis from the Cochrane Collaboration, there is evidence that chitosan is more effective than placebo in the short term. But the effect of chitosan on body weight is minimal.

    Warning

    • Since chitosan is derived from shellfish, don't use it if you are allergic or have a sensitivity to shellfish. Pregnant or nursing women also should not use chitosan. Long-term use (over six months) is not recommended since it can impede the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E & K). Consult your physician to see if chitosan is right for you.

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