Chitosan comes from the shells of sea creatures like lobsters, shrimp, and crabs.
Its also found in insect shells and the cell walls of some mushrooms.
If you have a shellfish allergy, you should avoid supplements that use chitosan obtained from shellfish.
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That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
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What Is Chitosan, and How Does It Work?
Chitosan results from a chemical reaction in which chitin is broken down.
When consumed, chitosan reacts with the acidic environment in your stomach to form a gel.
This gel is thought to bond with fatty compounds and block them from absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
Ultimately, the mixture of chitosan and fat is excreted through feces.
This process may benefit those with certain health conditions, which will be explored next.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Through scientific research, chitosan has been found to possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other properties.
These biological properties may be useful for a variety of health conditions.
Studies continue to emerge as researchers learn more about the polysaccharide and its potential applications.
Some of the possible uses of chitosan are outlined below.
These benefits have been tested in various clinical trials.
A meta-analysis of 10 clinical trials found somewhat conflicting results regarding the effectiveness of chitosan in loweringblood sugar.
One study found that chitosan may also play a role in diabetes prevention.
Compared to the placebo, chitosan improved inflammation, HbA1c, and blood sugar levels.
Overall, human trials on chitosan for blood sugar control are lacking in study size and design.
Additional research is needed in this area.
More specifically, chitosan has been found to reduce high blood pressure in some small-scale human studies.
However, some research results have been mixed.
A review of eight studies concluded that chitosan may lower blood pressure but not significantly.
Although these results may appear convincing, they are not definitive proof that chitosan supplementation lowers blood pressure.
More research is necessary to further explore the relationship between chitosan and blood pressure.
Despite these results, larger human trials should be conducted before chitosan can be safely recommended for weight loss.
Research shows that chitosan aids in the wound healing process.
Chitosan has been found to have antibacterial effects, which are vital to wound healing.
It has also been found to increase the rate of skin proliferation (the making of new skin).
Recently, researchers have looked at chitosan hydrogels, which contain water and can be used similarly to bandages.
Chitosan hydrogels may decrease the risk of infection that can affect some wounds.
A recent trial tested a chitosan wound dressing on people withsecond-degree burns.
The chitosan dressing decreased both pain and the time it took for the wounds to heal.
Chitosan was also found to reduce incidents of wound infection.
The effectiveness of the chitosan dressing was found to be similar compared to the nanosilver dressing.
Both dressings led to gradual healing in the diabetic wounds and also preventedinfections.
At this time, very few side effects have been reported for chitosan.
The most common side effects associated with chitosan affect the digestive system.
However, these were only reported in a small percentage of people.
However, there is concern that some chitosan supplements could contain contaminants if not properly manufactured.
It’s unknown how long chitosan can safely be used.
In various studies, chitosan has been safely used for up to 12 to 13 weeks.
Aside from possible side effects, chitosan may not be right for everyone.
Because one of the main sources of chitosan is crustaceans, people with ashellfish allergyshould avoid using it.
Anyone with a mushroom allergy should also avoid chitosan sourced from fungi.
It’s recommended that people who arepregnantorbreastfeedingavoid using chitosan.
This is due to the lack of safety information regarding chitosan use in these populations.
More information is needed to determine the full safety profile of chitosan supplements.
Dosage: How Much Chitosan Should I Take?
Currently, there are no dosage guidelines for chitosan supplements.
In clinical trials, chitosan dosing ranged from 0.3 g per day to 3.4 g per day in adults.
Chitosan was also commonly used for 12 to 13 weeks in the trials.
It’s recommended that you follow dosage directions as indicated on the supplement label.
you might also obtain dosage recommendations from a healthcare provider.
Interactions
Chitosan may negatively interact with certain medications, supplements, or nutrients.
There is concern that chitosan interacts with medications and supplements that may have similar uses.
These medications and supplements include:
Chitosan may also reduce the absorption offat-soluble vitamins.
Sources of Chitosan & Where to Look
Various foods and supplements contain chitosan.
Food Sources of Chitosan
The main food sources of chitosan include crustaceans and certain types of mushrooms.
Chitosan may also come from the exoskeleton of insects.
The only way to consume chitin that comes from crustaceans is through dietary supplements.
This is because the exoskeletons of shrimp, crabs, lobsters, and other crustaceans are not commonly eaten.
Chitin has been found in both edible and nonediblemushrooms.
However, an enzymatic reaction has to occur for chitin to be converted to chitosan.
Chitosan is considered to be more easily digested than chitin.
Supplements tend to be a better option for getting chitosan.
Supplement Sources of Chitosan
Due to their popularity, chitosan supplements are not difficult to find.
There are a number of websites that sell chitosan supplements.
Chitosan supplements come in many forms, including capsules, powders, and tablets.
There are also topical chitosan options, like gels.
Some chitosan supplements may be mixed with other nutrients, herbs, or ingredients.
Be sure to read the full list of ingredients to understand the product you purchase.
Many chitosan supplements are sourced from crustaceans.
If you areveganor vegetarian, look for chitosan that has been sourced from mushrooms instead.
Of course, you shouldn’t use chitosan products if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients.
Several chitosan supplements on the market can fit other diets, like agluten-free dietor an organic diet.
This information should be listed on the label or packaging of the supplement.
In general, more research is needed on chitosan to prove its benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some people should avoid using chitosan.
Some chitosan products containcommon allergens, like shellfish.
Other chitosan products are made from mushrooms.
You should talk with a healthcare provider about using chitosan if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
To get chitosan naturally, you’d need to eat foods that contain chitin.
Chitin-containing foods include mushrooms and crustaceans.
Chitosan is most commonly found in supplements.
This is because a chemical reaction is needed to transform chitin from foods into chitosan.
When using chitosan supplements, you’re able to take them daily.
Talk with a healthcare provider about the proper way to use chitosan supplements.
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