Chitosan: Our Review

Chitosan is derived from chitin, a polysaccharide found in the exoskeleton of shellfish such as shrimp, lobster, and crabs. Proponents say chitosan causes weight loss by binding fats ("fat magnet") in the stomach and preventing them from being digested and absorbed. Although chitosan can decrease fat absorption, the usual amount contained in the capsules is too small to have much of an effect on cholesterol levels. There are better, more predictable cholesterol-lowering products available than chitosan, so it doesn't really make much sense to use it for that purpose.

There is no evidence or reliable studies that show chitosan to be effective for weight loss. Sorry.

Is Chitosan a "Fat Magnet"?

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Copyright 2001-2010 Chase Freedom Inc. "Chase Freedom" is a registered trademark of Chase Freedom Inc. All diet reviews are opinion and unscientific and should not be substituted for the advice of a doctor or registered dietitian. We do endorse and maintain affiliate status with weight loss companies and programs that conform to our opinion that sensible weight loss is best. This opinion includes the following traits: inexpensive, based on traditional strategies of diet and exercise, and independent. Companies and programs include eDiets, Nutrisystem, Jillian Michaels, Denise Austin, Sonoma Diet, Joy's Life Diet, South Beach Diet, Fitness Model Program, Dietwatch, Diet-To-Go among others.