Chitosan Info

Basic Facts
Effects
Indications
Composition
Dosage
Side Effects/Contraindications
Instructions

BASIC FACTS

Overweight is nowadays globally considered the main cause of many diseases such as hypertension, all cardiovascular diseases, including cardiac infarction, liver damage, arthritis, etc. It is not only excess food intake that causes overweight but also false nutrition. Although the body primarily needs carbohydrates and proteins for energy production, nowadays the main constituent of our food is fat. In this connection it is of particular importance that fat is the main energy carrier. In view of the energy content of the most important food constituents one can refer to the following standard values:

1 kcal = 4.2 kilojoules (kJ)
1 gram carbohydrate = 4.1 kcal = 17.2 kj
1 gram protein = 4.1 kcal = 17.2 kj
1 gram fat = 9.3 kcal = 39.1 kj

Energy (calories) ingested in excess is deposited in the body in the form of fat deposits. The consequences are not only of a cosmetic kind but can also lead to the initially mentioned diseases in case of many years of severe overweight. Since it is very difficult for the organism to get rid of fat that has already been deposited, the daily nutrition should contain as little fat as possible. Another possibility is the inhibition of fat digestion, for instance by binding excess fat in the digestive tract already so that it is consequently excreted without having been digested. Such an inhibition of fat uptake can be brought about by the food supplement chitosan.

EFFECTS

Chitosan is an amino polysaccharid extracted from shells and the chitin shield of crustaceans (crabs, lobsters, shrimps, etc.). Regarding the effect of chitosan, this substance has similar effects as a magnet. In the intestines, the polysaccharid produces a positively charged gel which attracts the negatively charged fat molecules and binds them so that a big polymer (a combination of many molecules) is created. Due to its size, this polymer can no longer be digested. It then «catches» further solid materials – as e. g. sugar and carbohydrates – which the body would otherwise convert into fat and deposit. The substances bound in this way are excreted undigested by the body.

In this way, chitosan leads to an effective reduction of fat digestion and consequently to a lowering of the cholesterol level in blood. Since fat (as already mentioned above) has more than twice the number of calories of carbohydrates and protein, reduced fat digestion also provides effective support when reducing weight. Moreover, studies also showed that the regular intake of chitosan effectively lowers an increased systolic blood pressure.

INDICATIONS

Weight reduction: Chitosan is the ideal supplement in support of a diet. Since this food supplement reduces the absorption of fat, the consequence is that a considerable part of the fat-calorie share in the daily food is not taken up by the body. Given the fact that fat is the most powerful energy carrier, chitosan effectively helps in losing weight. A Finnish study showed that persons taking chitosan lost eight percent of their body weight in the course of eight weeks.

Lowering of cholesterol: A frequent symptom found in the population of Central Europe is an increased cholesterol level. Epidemiologic investigations have shown that increased blood fats as well as hypertension are the main contributing factors for developing cardiac and vascular diseases. Studies showed that chitosan is a potent substance for effectively lowering an increased cholesterol level in blood, causing in particular a lowering of the «bad» LDL cholesterol and an increase in the «good» HDL cholesterol.

Hypotensive effect: According to another scientific investigation, chitosan caused increased blood pressure levels in males eating a diet very rich in salt to go down significantly. This effect is probably caused by the fact that chitosan reduces the absorption of chloride in the gastrointestinal tract. Since the sodium and chloride contained in kitchen salt may, in the long run, lead to a hyperhydration of the body, experts assume that this water retention is partly a causative principle for the occurrence of hypertension.

Further positive effects of chitosan: Further positive properties of chitosan are ascribed to its inhibiting effects on the growth of fungi and bacteria. In this connection, it is of special importance that chitosan is capable of suppressing candida growth because it could be proven that an excess candida growth in the intestines can lead to numerous secondary health disturbances. Chitosan additionally increases the bio-availability of calcium, which is of overall positive importance for bones, teeth and hair.

COMPOSITION

One capsule of Chitosan (250 mg) contains:
Chitosan	250 mg
Vitamin C	25 mg
Chromium picolinate	100 mcg

One capsule of Chitosan (500 mg) contains:
Chitosan	500 mg
Vitamin C	50 mg
Chromium picolinate	200 mcg

in microcrystalline cellulose.

DOSAGE

In normal cases take 1 to 2 capsules of Chitosan, as required, with plenty of fluid 30 minutes before the meals. In most of the clinical studies, the test persons took 3 to 6 grams of chitosan per day.

SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS

No harmful side effects of chitosan are known. To reach optimal results it is advised to eat a fat-reduced diet at the same time. As in any diet, it is recommended to additionally take a vitamin preparation – e. g. Vitachron^® female or Vitachron^® male.

INSTRUCTIONS

Chitosan is not an essential nutrient and therefore the body does not know any deficiency states of chitosan. However, studies carried out for a longer period of time showed that in case of a long-term intake of chitosan a disturbed uptake of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E and K) and of other minerals cannot be excluded. Especially in children this could influence the growth of the body. Before taking chitosan during pregnancy a doctor should be consulted. People suffering from intestinal malabsorption syndrome should not take chitosan.

This product is available at pharmacies or via Pharmatrans Inc.

For information about prices and packing sizes click here.