Chitosan

=Generalities= Chitosan is a fiber from a ploymer extracted from the shell of crustaceans. It breaks down into glucosamine and NAG but behaves mostly like a cellulose fiber.

Chitin is an enormous polymer and in order to be assimilated and thus eliminate cholesterol cholesterol and fatty acids, it must fill 2 criteria: -must be deacetylated by at least 89% in order to bind to cholesterol and fatty acids in the intestine -must have a low molecular weight of kilodaltons (kDa) in order to be soluble and active. The molecules shown to be effective are ~30kDa and lower.

=Properties= "Many manufacturers of chitosan supplements based their claims on the fact that their product is thought to bind fat, which would allow the body to eliminate fat w/ assimilating it. A crossover trial published in 2003 demonstrated these claims were false"

=Indications= Claims w/ no basis: -Weight Loss -Elimination of blood lipids Theoretically it could aid in joint problems, as it breaks down into glucosamines and NAG.

=Contraindications= -Children and breastfeeding women -Seafood allergies

=Precautions and Side Effects= -Those suffering from intestinal malabsorption syndrome, including inflammatory dis-eases, as chitosan decreases the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and selenium -Possible constipation

=Sources= Shells of crustaceans, such as shrimp or crab

=Therapeutic Dose= 2-3g./day