Chitosan - Does it Help Weight Loss?
Chitosan is a fiber composed of chitin,
which is a component of shellfish. It is processed so that it absorbs
fat and cholesterol in the digestive tract. The adsorbed fat and cholesterol
are excreted through the bowel. Because of chitosan's ability to bind
and absorb fat, it may help some people lose weight.
Chitosan, Weight Loss & Vitamin
C
Studies show that ascorbic acid (vitamin C) helps activate chitosan in
the stomach and intestine into a fat-absorbing gel. When ascorbic acid
was given with chitosan to rats, far more fat was trapped and excreted
in the feces than when chitosan was given without ascorbic acid. It is
important to take pure ascorbic acid to enhance the fat-absorbing effects
of chitosan. Buffered or mineral ascorbates will not work as well.
Effects of Chitosan on Weight Loss
Three studies have found no significant differences in weight or serum
cholesterol levels between subjects who took chitosan and those who received
a placebo. One study involved 30 overweight volunteers who received four
capsules of either chitosan or a placebo for 28 consecutive days and were
told to eat their normal diet. The chitosan and placebo groups showed
no differences in weight or serum cholesterol levels. The second study
involved 51 healthy obese women followed for 8 weeks. The chitosan group
had slightly (but not significantly) greater cholesterol reduction than
the placebo group, but no difference in weight occurred between the two
groups. The other study, which involved 68 obese men and women, found
no improvement in weight, body composition, blood pressure, or lipid profile.
Fat Absorption Insignificant
Another study has found that the amount of fat actually removed by chitosan
is insignificant. The study involved 15 men who consumed five meals per
day for 12 days with a daily total of about 25 grams of fat. The amount
of fat excreted during four days when they took chitosan supplements was
then compared to the amount excreted without chirosan. Taking 10 capsules
of chitosan per day increased fecal fat excretion by only about 1 gram
(9 calories), which would have no significant effect on a person's weight.
Sources include: www.quackwatch.org
Diet and Weight Loss Supplements
If you want to reduce weight and you are considering buying supplements,
then for optimum health, as well as fat loss, check ingredients thoroughly.
Labelling and health follow-up arrangements for dietary supplements are
relatively lax, so it's up to you to vet the supplement product!
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