Chitosan Review
What It Is
Chitosan is a diet supplement taken from shellfish such as shrimp and
crabs. The manufacturers claim that is dissolves fat and cholesterol found in your stomach.
The shellfish extract is actually called Chitosan and while it may
seem like a new trend in weight loss, this fiber has actually been used for 3 decades.
So how does this ingredient help people? It certainly doesn't help with fast weight loss as the manufacturers
claim on their website.
The Evidence
When the manufacturers first thought of using the Chitosan pills to absorb fat in stomach and prevent it from
accumulating in the body, they did tests on animals. These studies showed some results, the animals did appear to
lose weight.
However, the amount of weight is debatable since most of the animals didn't immediately lose weight. Once the
manufacturers noted the slight change, they moved the product onto the market and claimed people could lose weight
from the product as well. This means that the product doesn't have any clinical trials conduct on
humans to back up its claims.
Research has been done and experts in the weight loss field have long claimed that Chitosan has no
effect on humans. If you take it, you won't lose weight quickly, if at all.
The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition conducted a study in 1999 that divided participants into 2 groups.
One group took 8 pills a day for 4 weeks while the second group was given a placebo. The conclusion was that both
groups had the same loss of weight.
The co-founder of the American Obesity Association, Dr. Stern, also tested Chitosan and found that the drug had
no weight loss effects. However, one interesting piece of information was gained that the European study didn't
have. It showed that Chitosan not only didn't work, but it also dissolved a lot of minerals and
vitamins in the body, which could have potentially bad side effects for your overall health.
The Verdict
The drug hasn't undergone enough studies to show whether or not is has
serious and harmful side effects. However, it has been proven that Chitosan is made from shellfish, so those with
shellfish allergies shouldn't take the drug since the reaction could be fatal.
It is not recommended that you take Chitosan for weight loss since it not only doesn't work,
but it could actually cause your more harm.
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