What Is Chitosan?

Chitosan is one of the fundamental ingredients playing a part of commercial and biomedical applications. However, most people do not know what Chitosan is and majority of people do not have much knowledge about it either. It is human nature to be curious about the new things and is no different with Chitosan. This is why people who hear the word "Chitosan" for the first time ever seem interested in finding out what Chitosan really is.



The basic answer of this query is that Chitosan is a natural compound derived from chitin. Chitin is polymeric carbohydrate generally found in the outer skeletons of crustaceans and shellfish. Previously, people mostly make use of Chitosan in processes such as water detoxification. Although, the existence of Chitosan is quite old yet its latest form has just been prepared in recent times. Another significant the discovery that Chitosan is a natural compound with similar chemical properties as that of cellulose.



Cellulose is a fibrous plant and as Chitosan chemically resembles to it that is why it possesses fibrous properties. These fibers has made Chitosan a significant ingredient in products used for controlling weight and cholesterol of human body. The fibrous nature of Chitosan considerably helps in binding fat present in human's digestive tract. This fat magnet is slightly capable of preventing the fat to be absorbed in human body. Chitosan products are also helpful in promoting the healing process of lesions as well as ulcers.



Moreover, some of the Chitosan based products may involve its antacid properties, which seem quite helpful in reducing the plaque formation plus tooth decay. Several biomedical studies on Chitosan have revealed that it is quite useful substance for controlling blood pressure. In addition, this valuable compound is also present in medicinal products used for following purposes.



• Prevention from constipation

• Reduction in blood levels of uric acid

• Calcium enhancer

• Bone strengthener



Number of biomedical and chemical analysis has been carried out by professionals just to get answer. These analyses have shown that Chitosan actually absorbs the oils, toxic substances and greases etc when spread over water surface. This exposes the attractive property of Chitosan towards bio-hazardous substances often present in human body because of drinking water. However, medical studies fail in providing the basis for safe use of Chitosan in a routine diet.

What Are The Dangers Of Chitosan?

People from all walks of life are well aware of Chitosan and its medicinal products. chitosan based products are now highly promoted at different levels from tele to the internet. However, people do not have much information about the dangers of chitosan. All forums promote chitosan by highlighting its excellent results but no one bothers to tell about its shortcomings. Numerous medical studies have been held till now and most of these conclude that this polymer has more shortcomings than benefits.



It is promoted by manufacturers that chitosan has a noteworthy capability of offering best results in weight reduction. Though it is highly claimed by producers of chitosan that it is the best fat burner and fat magnet yet no research has supported this claim. Individuals consuming chitosan in huge quantities are doing so with no scientific verification that it actually works with high-quality results.



Critics are continuously trying to keep people away of using high amount of chitosan based medicines. They do not bother any of the claims brought to light by manufacturers of these medicines. Reason behind this approach of critics is the non-availability of medical evidences supporting that there are no dangers of chitosan. This is why, most of critics and biomedical experts strongly oppose the use of medicines composed of chitosan. It seems good to use medicines for controlling your weight and cholesterol level. However, almost all fat burning and weight controlling medicines contain chitosan as an essential element. Chitosan is injurious to your health in the way that it will not only burn fat but also some other imperative ingredients of your body.



Elimination of essential elements of human body is one of the basic dangers of chitosan usually faced by its users. Chitosan fibers have ability of capturing fat present in the intestine and remove them from body before their metabolism takes place. Generally, critics are against the use of chitosan and warn people to avoid its extra intake. This is because chitosan is derived from chitin polymer found in crustaceans' outer shells.



The variation in composition of this compound depends on sea water and animal from which it can be extracted. Another sort of dangers of chitosan is the absorption of different and hazardous impurities by crustaceans from the surrounding water. Chitosan used in medicines not only hold and remove harmful fat elements from human body but may also eliminate many other healthy ingredients. Moreover, Experts and critics also stressed over the less or no use of these medicines as there is an immense possibility of adverse dangers of chitosan because of containing impure chitin.



The abundant use of chitosan has also made diet experts worried about its harmful effects on human body. The potential dangers of chitosan are usually faced by people who do not like sea food or sensitive to crustaceans. Therefore, critics as well as makers of medicines containing Chitosan warn sea food allergic people to avoid their use. So, always keep in your mind all possible dangers of chitosan before using its products.

Understanding Chitosan Chemistry

The hard shell of crustaceans contains Chitosan, which is an important polymer helpful in controlling cholesterol and reducing weight. Chitosan chemistry provide basis for its use in weight and cholesterol controlling products. Crustaceans are aquatic arthropods including shrimps, clams and lobsters etc. Chitosan polymer contained in outer shells of these arthropods make you think once before throwing away these shells. This significant polymer is most commonly used in weight reduction supplements.



Moreover, products used for cholesterol profile improvement normally contain chemically made fiber of Chitosan. Examination of Chitosan chemistry shows that it is a biopolymer kind of substance. This property makes it possible for manufacturers of cholesterol and weight controlling products to use Chitosan as basic ingredient. Chitosan chemistry involves numerous biomedical applications whenever it is going to be discussed. Following are some of the most common biomedical applications involving the use of Chitosan.



• Wound healing

• Tissue engineering

• Tissue repair

• Local delivery of cells etc





Analysis of Chitosan chemistry revealed that it is made up of N-deacylation, which is a chitin molecule. Chitosan is basically a linear polysaccharide, which is mainly composed of ß (1-4)-linked D-glucosamine together with N-Acetyl glucosamine monomers.



N-acetyl-D-glucosamine is acetylated unit (A) whereas D-glucosamine is a deacetylated unit (D). This chemical composition shows that Chitosan can be produced through the deacetylation of chitin on commercial basis. Chitin is the basic structural element present in the outer skeletons of crustaceans and this has been found out by resources of Chitosan chemistry. Generally, NMR spectroscopy is used to check out the percentage of deacetylation in artificially prepared Chitosan. The deacetylation degree in commercially manufactured Chitosan falls in range of 60 to 100%.



A number of bio-medical studies showed that this significantly useful substance is a good carrier of catalysts. Moreover, numerous resources of Chitosan chemistry depicts that Chitosan is a substance having unique chemical properties. Following are the most significant chemical properties contained by Chitosan.



• Linear poly-D-glucosamine

• Chelating effect on numerous transition- metal ions

• Aids in protein separations

• Offer fungistatic and Basteriostatic effects

• Full capacity of reaction with amino groups



Furthermore, studies of Chitosan chemistry have discovered a noteworthy aspect about the viscosity of Chitosan. According to these studies the Chitosan viscosity is mainly dependent on average molecular weight of Chitosan itself. Chromatography together with technique of light scattering detection is the best possible way of determining this molecular weight.



Amino group is another prime ingredient of Chitosan polymers according to the several studies carried out to find out the exact Chitosan chemistry. Chitosan is a kind of positively charged polymer having about 6.5 pKa value of amino group and therefore these are easily soluble in acidic as well as neutral solutions. These studies about Chitosan chemistry have also concluded that Chitosan polymer either artificially made or naturally available is a bio-adhesive.



This is because it can easily and quickly binds up with surfaces having negative charges on them; for instance, mucosal membranes. It has been concluded by analysts after going through a range of studies about Chitosan chemistry that Chitosan can be utilized in numerous commercial applications.

The Polyvinyl Alcohol-Chitosan Blends

Chitosan is deduced from chitin, which is a compound. It is found in the shells of aquatic arthropods. It is conceived as one of the most plentiful polysaccharides available in nature and the fact makes chitosan plenteous as well as comparatively low-priced product. Just in recent times, chitosan actuated importance in the tissue-engineering area. It has been inquired for use in the orchestrating of cartilage, nerve as well as liver tissue.



It is also very much useful for wound dressings as well as drug delivery devices. On the other hand, various troubles with applying chitosan as a polymer gallows in tissue engineering are presently mentioned. These contain low strength as well as conflicting activities with seeded cells. Providentially, chitosan might be effortlessly mixed with other materials so as to amplify its power and cell attachment prospective. One of the generally formed mixes these days is mixings with polyvinyl alcohol as well as chitosan.



The polyvinyl alcohol-chitosan mixed celluloids are generally made from:



• The polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).

• Chitosans (Cs) with changeable concentrations.



For additional prominence, the alcohol-chitosan mingle films were manufactured by drawing the individual polymer results. The recognized glutaraldehyde was applied as a type of cross-linking instrument. After that, a serial of polyvinyl alcohol-chitosan were developed by changing ratio of the components. As said by some individuals, the motorized attributes of these films were also inquired by tensile strength in addition to tensile strain of the mixed films in the dry as well as wet conditions.



For the alcohol-chitosan mixing to be thriving, a PVA as well as chitosan samplings are required. As specialists regularly propose, a PVS taster with ninety nine percent hydrolyzed. Plus, a chitosan with about eighty six percent degree of deacetylation in addition to thickness of one hundred and fifteen cps in one percent acetic acid should be well thought-out. It is moreover significant to consider that for having positive results, all other chemicals to be added have to be analytical grade.



As declared above, several polyvinyl alcohol-chitosan intermixes have been raised. As said by a number of studies, the frequent effect of this combination proposes that the fusing of polyvinyl and alcohol chitosan ameliorates the tensile power as well as elasticity of films equally in dry as well as wet states. In addition, the joining with the glutaraldehyde improves tensile potency as well as decreases the extension of mixes. It's outcome, nevertheless, growths if the substance of the chitosan is also augmented.



Additional point to be considered is the determinations that with rising alcohol chitosan matter in the mixture, the water consumption step-ups. It is, on the other hand, drop-offs with the joining of the mixtures with glutaraldehyde. As well, the water ingestion step-ups when pH diminishes. Therefore, the result of pH on rising water ingestion is extremely given concentration in this research knowing that it is more important for samplings with more chitosan matter.



On the whole, it was discovered that the intermixing of polyvinyl alcohol chitosan films enhances the volume as well as surface hydrophilicity of blended films.

Possible Side Effects Of Chitosan

According to some clinical studies, chitosan is great for weight loss as it binds fat to molecules in the digestive tract, preventing the body from absorbing the fat. It also lowers the cholesterol in the blood, treat anemia, and improve the person's strength, the immune system, as well as the appetite and sleep. Also reported is that chitosan can help treat tooth and gum infections and help tissue healing after plastic surgery.



However, whether chitosan is effective for treating such mentioned conditions or safe as a diet aid still remains controversial. It is often the subject of most debates regarding weight loss. Some say that there are adverse side effects of chitosan, while others have shown evidences that contradict such belief.



There are still no long-term studies of the side effects of chitosan on human health as most of the studies were conducted on animals. However, if we will look at those animal studies and the first published 1999 clinical trial done on humans, results suggest that chitosan could inhibit the absorption of minerals and fat soluble vitamins. Also, studies have revealed certain adverse side effects of chitosan to pregnant women, particularly on the growth of children and the outcome of pregnancy.



Experts also found out other minor side effects of chitosan. These possible side effects may include breathing problems or tightness in your chest or throat, as well as chest pain and skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin. Other possible side effects of chitosan are headaches and swollen heels and wrists.



With all those mentioned possible side effects, it's no wonder that experts highly suggest to stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the mentioned side effects. The reason is your medicine may be causing such symptoms which may mean that you are allergic to chitosan-based products.



So perhaps the best that you can do to protect yourself and your health is to tell your health care professional before taking any chitosan-based products about your current medication. Tell your doctor if you are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine, or if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while using chitosan. This must also apply to those mothers who are breastfeeding, as well as to people who have clotting problems and have any other health problem, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease.



Talk with your caregiver about how much chitosan you should take. Note that an over dosage of chitosan-based products may lead to those possible side effects of chitosan. Just note that the amount of chitosan highly depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking it. So, if you are taking this medicine without instructions from your caregiver, then follow the directions written on the label. To ensure that you are free from the possible side effects of chitosan, do not take more medicine or take it more often than the directions tell you.

Performance Biomedical Laboratories Reduce Chitosan Product

Many chitosan based products are now available on the market. All of them promise to block fat in order to help weight loss. One of the most popular products available is the Reduce Chitosan, formulated and developed by Performance Biomedical Laboratories (PBL).



What is Reduce Chitosan?



As the name implies, PBL's Reduce Chitosan contains the ingredient chitosan, which works to bind to some dietary fat and removes it from the body rather than allowing it to be absorbed.



According to some, Reduce Chitosan binds to the intestinal lining where it tightly binds dietary fats and lipids prior to the absorption in the body. As a result, the dietary fat is prevented from entering into the bloodstream because when the dietary fat is bound to the chitosan fiber, it becomes a large mass which cannot be absorbed in the body.



Besides chitosan, PBL's Reduce contains ample amounts of Vitamin C. Several published reports have shown that chitosan works in concert with Vitamin C. It has even been suggested that the action of thus substance may be improved by as small as an amount of Vitamin C as 10 mg.



Reduce Chitosan also contains an all-natural bean extract that generally inhibits alpha-amylase activity. This prevents the breakdown of dietary starches into glucose, allowing in the end that carb from starch to pass through the system unchanged.



Further claims noted that Reduce Chitosan is a non-stimulant, all-natural nutritional ingredient derived from the white kidney bean. PBL even said that Reduce is by far the first nutritional ingredient that has been clinically and scientifically proven to neutralize starch that is commonly found in your favorite foods like breads, pasta, rice, crackers, corn and potatoes.



How Does Reduce Work?



Your body converts carbs by breaking down the carbohydrate molecule with alpha-amylase, which is an enzyme produced in the pancreas. These calories are either burned off through exercise or stored as fat cells for future use. Unfortunately, this may lead to weight gain as inactivity means that these stored fat cells accumulate.



Chitosan then binds to some of the dietary fat that you consume and removes it from the body rather than allowing it to be absorbed. This can also be used for adding fiber to your diet.



The chitosan ingredient used in PBL's Reduce Chitosan is said to be unsurpassed in its quality and purity. It goes through a process called deacetylation, which refers to the removal of the acetyl groups. What's more, Lipase, a digestive enzyme is added to Reduce Chitosan in order to help in emulsifying the fats that you ingest, making it a superior fat absorber. Note that Reduce is also fortified with Calcium as well as Vitamin C.



When Should You Take Reduce?



Recent researches have shown that the best time to take Reduce Chitosan is just before a starch-rich meal along with 8 oz. of water. However, other studies also showed that Reduce Chitosan could still offer some of its starch neutralizing benefits when taken during or just after a starch-rich meal.

Natrol Chitosan

Natrol Chitosan is one of the most significant weight reducing products. It is also composed of chitin as the main ingredient like many other Chitosan products. It offers good capability to prevent the fat absorption in human digestive tract. This medicinal product has been advertised heavily as a fat magnet at different forums like television, newspapers and internet etc.



It is claimed by makers of Natrol Chitosan that it is one the most excellent supplement for extra weight loss. This product is actually developed by Natrol, Inc. and so is the name given to it. Natrol, Inc. based in Southern California is one of the well known companies producing nutritional supplements including Natrol Chitosan. In fact, this company not only manufactures but also advertises its high quality and branded Chitosan supplements. This manufacturing company is now producing its own Natrol Chitosan capsules along with many other weight controlling tablets.



Uncompromised quality of Natrol Chitosan makes it different and extraordinary product from its counterparts. At present, it is one of the most commonly obtainable fat burning supplements in the market. Most of numerous other products termed as fat magnets usually fail to reach the magnificent results offered by Natrol Chitosan. Take only two meals with heavy fats in a day to get optimum and better results out of Natrol Chitosan.



Number of supplements lies in the available series of Natrol's Chitosan. One of the renowned and heavily purchased products of this series is Natrol Chitosan of 500mg. It is one of the most popular dietary supplements as the source of natural fiber according to several reviewers. This dietary supplement is quite effective and is much easy to be swallowed. This Natrol Chitosan contains about 95% of deacetylated Chitosan to enhance its solubility capacity. Moreover, it is all-natural product with no wheat, milk, yeasts and glutens etc. Furthermore, it is recommended that people allergic of seafood especially sea shell must not take Natrol Chitosan to reduce their weight. For this reason, always avoid using such fat removing products as per your doctor's prescription.



It is suggested by diet and health experts to use Chitosan containing products after consulting a health care specialist. It should not also be brought into play by pregnant women. It is also worth noting that Natrol Chitosan should not be used before any exercise or beginning of the weight loss program. In addition, fat soluble vitamins including A, E and K must not be taken along with Chitosan based products. Overweight people do not forget to take right dosage of this product mainly composed of Chitosan. The recommended dose of Natrol Chitosan is 3 capsules before each fat containing meal.



Natrol is regularly broadening its perspective and scope by means of formulating and producing innovative Natrol Chitosan. This cutting edge product brings much better quality especially in the life of overweight people. Natrol, Inc. is constantly producing the unparalleled and high quality fat controlling supplements basically composed of Chitosan. Moreover, it is also manufacturing numerous other health related products.

Medical Studies On Chitosan

Chitosan is a chemically processed variety of fiber. The Medical Studies on Chitosan revealed that bones and hard shells of aquatic arthropods are the basic ingredients of Chitosan. These aquatic arthropods having hard shells include shrimps, barnacles and crabs etc. Human body is not fully capable of digesting this chemically manufactured fiber. It has been noted in the Medical Studies on Chitosan that it has a tendency of bonding with ingested fat while passing through the digestion tract. In this way, Chitosan aids in carrying out body fats in stool. This is the reason that people go for Chitosan to reduce their weight along with lowering of cholesterol level. However, it is concluded from all of the medical studies on Chitosan that it has more shortcomings than benefits.



Numerous medical studies on Chitosan were conducted in order to observe whether Chitosan is really capable of improving human cholesterol profile or not. Chitosan compound has moderate ability of developing better cholesterol profile according to double-blind type of medical studies on Chitosan. Medical trial controlled by placebo was conducted on 51 women for time period of eight weeks. This double-blind trial showed that 1,200 mg of Chitosan if taken two times a day has a capacity of slightly reducing the bad cholesterol. In contrast, the Chitosan compound shows no effect on good cholesterol levels in human body.



Another medical trial of eight weeks on 84 people showed moderate benefits of Chitosan. Placebo controlled medical studies on Chitosan on 88 people has given the most favorable results about utilization of Chitosan. This double blind medical research showed that there was no significant increase in cholesterol level of people taking 1,000 mg of Chitosan 3 times in a day. These significant medical studies on Chitosan show that this chemically made substance is not fully capable of improving the cholesterol profile. These differing results suggest that products based on Chitosan have capability of bringing slight improvement in cholesterol profile.



Chitosan is considered as a good supplement used for weight loss. Chitosan is considered as "fat magnet" kind of a substance as it can bind itself with body fats in digestive tract. Chitosan based products have been failed in numerous medical trials and researches despite of claiming the reduction in weight. However, most of the best designed medical studies on Chitosan have failed to find out its advantages regardless of positive results obtained in preliminary analysis.



This important medical study had time span of six months and involves 250 overweight people. Again, it was a double blind medical trial in which individuals were given 3 grams dose of Chitosan per day. This study shows that Chitosan products have insufficient tendency of improving human weight loss to the significant extent. In a nutshell, all medical studies on Chitosan suggest that this substance do not have much potential of helping people in weight loss and improving cholesterol profile.



Chitosan manufacturers claim their products as significantly effective in reducing weight and controlling cholesterol. However, almost all renowned medical studies contradict this claim.

Liquid Chitosan

Chitosan is a natural compound, which has been around us for almost three decades. Originally, it was utilized in detoxification of water but now its usage has been expanded to a great extent. Today, Chitosan is manufactured artificially in laboratories in two forms. One is flakey type of dry form whereas the second one is liquid Chitosan. Chitosan is known all over the world as a simple substance extracted from chitin present in outer shells of crustaceans. Chitin is also found in exoskeletons of shellfish and is the second abundantly occurring polymer in nature.



Moreover, manufacturers may also get chitin from shells of insects and cell walls of fungi for preparing dry or liquid Chitosan synthetically. Chitosan is nothing but just the most refined form of natural chitin, which is obtained from shells of crustaceans and shellfish. There are numerous biomedical applications associated with Chitosan. Now-a-days, liquid Chitosan is frequently used by people of different ages in order to lose their excess weight. Chitosan is now available as a supplement.



It is also utilized in makeup, for thickening foods and in production of paints. The liquid form of Chitosan is rapidly gaining more recognition and popularity among people in contrast to the dry form of Chitosan. However, Chitosan in both dry and liquid forms are now promoted as dietary aids by their manufacturers.



Reason behind the ever increasing popularity of liquid Chitosan is that it is more capable of eliminating stomach pains. Also, people can easily get rid of many other clumping problems by making use of liquid Chitosan in their daily dietary plan. This is because it provides basis to the body fat in order to convert into thousands of minute calorie-free beads. Now these tiny beads with no calorie in them are much gentler on one's digestive tract. The most common identification features of liquid Chitosan are:



• Appearance

• Color and odor

• Protein content

• Degree of deacetylation

• Viscosity etc



Below is the summary of identification factors of liquid Chitosan.



• As name implies, this type of Chitosan has liquid appearance



• Liquid Chitosan is mostly available in yellow color plus no smell and taste



• This Chitosan variety contains about 0.5 percent of protein content



• Deacetylation degree appears to be more than 90%, which may exceed to 95% percent if colloidal method is used for measurement



• Viscosity of liquid Chitosan comes out to be 50cps if Brookfield viscometer is used as measuring equipment



• pH level of liquid Chitosan is less than 5.5



• Liquid Chitosan shows 0.5% of insolubility if 20 grams of this substance is dissolved in distilled water of 100ml.



Majority of people has stopped using the flakey Chitosan and are now turning towards the consumption of Liquid Chitosan in their daily diet. This is because it offers better results in controlling extra weight and cholesterol gain. Dry form of Chitosan may cause stomach pains and gas while liquid Chitosan do not cause such problem. Therefore, use of liquid Chitosan is safer than its counterpart-dry Chitosan and hence recommended by experts.

LipoSan Ultra Chitosan: An Excellent Fat Binder

The patent proprietary technology was used in the development of LipoSan Ultra Chitosan. This technology was originally discovered in the year of 1998 by Vanson, Inc. Manufacturers can increase the regular Chitosan density in LipoSan by making use of this technology. As a result, LipoSan Ultra Chitosan appears to be quite diverse in nature from ordinary Chitosan. It is a natural fiber brought into play as the basic constituent of daily dietary plans of overweight people. It is also composed of Chitosan as vital element just like most of the other fat trapping products.



LipoSan Ultra Chitosan is usually taken by majority of people in order to hold up and put a stop to the digestion of fat. However, it works more quickly than its counterparts for the removal of fat and extra oil from human body. This Ephedra-free product normally takes only five minutes and even less time to eliminate fat present in your stomach. This means you can take LipoSan Ultra Chitosan exact at your mealtime. This contrasts to numerous other weight controlling products, which are normally prescribed to be taken an hour before your meal. It is one of the safest and valuable weight loss supplements especially when used in combination with balanced dietary and exercise plan.



An essential advantage of taking LipoSan Ultra Chitosan is the eradication of excess fat present in digestive system. It has been noticed that solubility rate of fat incredibly increased when it is used at mealtime. Capsules of LipoSan Ultra normally need to perform their proper functioning in about 1.5-2 hours. LipoSan Ultra Chitosan is helpful in enhancing the fat emulsion in stomach when reaches to small intestine and begins to gel it out 3 times more contrasting ordinary Chitosan. This improved medicinal product of Chitosan is more helpful in dissolving and removing more complex fats. Gel created by this product when entered into the stomach shows more potential of trapping fats present in it. This trapped fat by LipoSan Ultra Chitosan gel will ultimately become unavailable to be absorbed and hence easily removed as waste from human body.



The main difference between ordinary Chitosan and LipoSan is just the time taken to dissolve body fats. An ordinary Chitosan generally takes about an hour to be soluble in the stomach acid. In contrast, the LipoSan Ultra Chitosan only needs less than a minute to become soluble in stomach acid. Moreover, it has been recognized by several researchers that high solubility rate of this product in stomach acid results in enhancement of its binding ability. This strongly contradicts to the fat binding potential of an ordinary Chitosan. LipoSan Ultra Chitosan is a sort of fat removing product that can be taken during dinner and lunch times on routine basis.



It is significant to be noticed that soluble vitamins must be taken before/after having LipoSan Ultra during meal times. It has been suggested that LipoSan Ultra Chitosan interferes the intake of vitamins. However, there is no biomedical research which can support this assumption. Moreover, always take plenty of water while using LipoSan Ultra Chitosan to avoid chances of any kind of blockage.

Is Chitosan A True Fat Blocker?

Numerous claims have suggested that chitosan as one of the most effective fat burners. In fact, it makes big promises of absorbing fat and preventing it from getting into your body, considering it as the definitive fat blocker. But, is it really a fat blocker?



Before considering any of the studies conducted on chitosan, it is best to know first that whether chitosan is safe or effective as diet aid remains controversial even up to this day. Probably you've heard a lot of claims regarding the benefits of chitosan. Many people have said that chitosan does work, but these claims contradict what few studies imply. Thorough clinical studies on humans have shown that chitosan does NOT work!



One of the most commonly cited studies on chitosan by the marketers and manufacturers of chitosan-based products is the 1994 ARS Medicina (Helsinki) Report. In this study, it was found out that test subjects lost eight percent of body fat and reduced cholesterol by thirty-two percent in four weeks.



Secondly, there are various studies on chitosan which revealed that the substance lowers plasma cholesterol and triglycerides and improved the HDL cholesterol level.



Looking at these pieces of evidence, one might be suitably convinced that chitosan's claims are in fact true. However, when taking the designs of the studies on chitosan into consideration, the evidence appears in a much different light.



In the first place, the 1994 ARS Medicina Report and others that support it appear to be loosely designed. Experts have noted that only uncontrolled and anecdotal evidence seem to be the only available evidence in research up to date.



Furthermore, most of the cholesterol lowering evidences reported in other resources is attained in another noteworthy fashion. The fact is, most of the studies on chitosan were conducted on mice, canines, guinea pigs, and broiler chickens. There is actually a lack of studies on chitosan conducted on humans.



It is most unfortunate that only one well-designed study on chitosan, involving humans as subject, has been published. That study was conducted in 1999 by the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showing that chitosan supplements were no better than a placebo in reducing body weight. 34 overweight subjects were actually involved in the study.



They were assigned to either a "treatment group" which received 4 capsules of chitosan twice daily for 28 days, or to a "placebo group" which received a placebo under the same conditions. After days of treatment, the results revealed no significant difference between two groups on any of the body mass index, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, Vitamins A, D, E or beta-carotene levels. This is what actually led weight loss experts to agree that chitosan simply does not work.



Further studies on chitosan were conducted, but all of them, however, have shown that chitosan didn't block fat. As you may notice, these studies on chitosan have the same findings as the European Journal research. And, even worse, chitosan has been shown to block some vitamins and minerals.



Taken into consideration, what the advertisements are saying seem to be media hype, thus the search for a miracle dietary supplement continues.

Discount Chitosan

Most experts says that the summer season is the best time for reducing weight in less time. But with the aid of dietary supplements you can lose weight any time of the year, especially helpful is searching out some discount prices. First of all you should decide that either you will use chitosan based product or other types of supplements for losing weight. You can easily get chitosan based product from nutrition shops and pharmacies and some offer you discount prices. Online can offer some great discounts with a little effort.



Fitflex.com offers a ton of reviews, and a great way of finding those discount offers. They also offer you Thin Chitosan fat trapper on discount rate and you can easily lost your weight but you must go to your doctor before taking the medicine. If you think that you should loss your weight but you don't have enough money then you should go on internet and open HerbsMD.com for getting discount chitosan because they offer you discount rates.



Some people think if they want to lose weight without doing physical activity then discount chitosan should be used for losing weight in healthy way, but with exercise as well, the best results will be achieved. Another very popular website is VitaNetOnline.com and but have no discounts on chitosan but there are other dietary and food supplements on discount for reducing your weight.



If you want discount chitosan then go on internet and open netrition.com because they are offering their customers various chitosan based products at discount prices. You must know the quantity and proper time of taking chitosan because if you will not follow the instruction written by doctor then you may have problems like itching, headache etc.



When you are going to buy discount chitosan you must know the possible side effects of this medicine. Chitosan is made of crustaceans shell and some people have allergy problem because this shellfish. Research proves that mostly people are allergy from different shellfish like shrimps; lobster etc so you should be careful before taking this medicine. If you are pregnant and you want to use discount chitosan then you must consult with your doctor because sometime it will affect the growth of the child. Mostly doctors strictly prohibited the use of chitosan during pregnancy.

Chitosan Warning: Reasons To Be Couscous

Chitosan is now very much marketed as a potent weight loss supplement. At its most basic level, chitosan is a substance found in the shells of crustaceans, like crabs, lobsters and shrimps. It is extracted and taken in a form of supplement with meals and believed it encourages weight loss by binding to fat molecules, preventing the body from absorbing fat.



However, whether chitosan is safe and helpful as a diet aid still remains controversial. Numerous studies have reported chitosan really does work for weight loss, while others have reported that it doesn't. Regardless of what the reports have discovered or suggested, it is paramount to look at the chitosan warnings.



• There is a possibility in theory that it could block the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins, such as Vitamins A, D, E and K. Also, chitosan may block the absorption of the essential fatty acids, like omega 3 and 6. Therefore, it necessary to be sure that you take a vitamin supplements at least an hour or so before taking the chitosan.



• Another notable chitosan warning is that never take chitosan if you have an allergy to shellfish. Just note that chitosan is derived from shellfish.



• Chitosan doesn't get absorbed into the bloodstream. This simply means that it is largely free of the side effects that so many people experience with a number of prescription and nonprescription weight loss supplements and medication.



• Chitosan is not best for pregnant women, so avoid taking it when you're pregnant. Also, when you are nursing or taking any medication, consult your health care professional first before taking any product that contain chitosan.



• Take chitosan with large amounts of fluid. The reason for this chitosan warning is the fact that without drinking enough liquid, the product may cause constipation. And, if intestinal discomfort or constipation occurs, discontinue the use.



• Because no extensive safety studies have been done to back up the claimed benefits of chitosan, every people must be careful and must seek for guidance from a health care professional before taking any chitosan product.



Aside from those above mentioned chitosan warnings, there are other factors that must be considered before buying chitosan based products. First of those is the fact that the composition of chitin may vary depending on the seawater, the animal from which it is taken, and the time of year.



Always do your homework and research as much as possible before you start taking any type of supplement.

Chitosan Plus: An Excellent Fat Burner?

Today, a number of different products containing Chitosan are available in the market. Chitosan plus is currently one of the significant and highly marketed fat burners. This Chitosan based product is frequently and highly purchased item among people from all across the globe. There are many overweight people who want to control their cholesterol level and ever increasing weight but do not know from where to start. Now, they are not required to be worried because chitosan plus is now available at medical stores that will surely help them in this regard.



Chitosan Plus is basically composed of Chitosan polymer mostly obtained from the outer skeletons of crabs. Many other crustaceans may also be used in order to get Chitosan, which is in actual a compound of chitin. Chitin is the fundamental polymer found in the hard outer shells of most of the aquatic arthropods. Chitosan is the designer fiber present in chitosan plus to attract and take hold of fat present in digestive tracts of human beings. It is also capable of holding and controlling cholesterol level.



Consequently, it results in safe elimination of bad cholesterol from human body and ultimately improves the cholesterol profile. Chitosan plus contains the super fibrous Chitosan that acts admirably like a magnet to get hold on body fat. In contrast, many of the other weight and cholesterol controlling products contain fibers with limited absorption capacity for fat as well as bile acids.



Manufacturers of Chitosan Plus claimed that it has absorption capacity of five times more than its own weight for fat and cholesterol in human digestive system. They also claim that Chitosan particles gain positive charges on them during the process of purification. Consequently, these particles become able to attract fat molecules having negative charges on them. Chitosan plus significantly differs from its counterparts.

The reason behind is that this Chitosan containing product offers 5-10 times greater effect on fat excretion in contrast to many other fat burning products. People who really want to improve their health profile need to control calorie rate in their daily diet plans. Chitosan plus is the best option they can bring into play for maintaining low-calorie along with high fiber diet. The consumption of chitosan plus containing ascorbic acid (an antioxidant) helps in reduction of cholesterol level.



Chitosan plus is a very good supplement with the capability of absorption over one-third of an individual's dietary fat. This depends on the intake amount of Chitosan in his daily diet plan. The remaining non-digestible mass is then excreted via digestive tract. It is also recommended by experts that intake of chitosan plus together with Vitamin C enhances its working proficiency. Additionally, it also facilitates in scavenging the oxidized cholesterol from human body.



It is suggested that dosage of chitosan plus must be taken according to your doctor's advice. It is the most suitable way of using this fat controlling medicinal product. Furthermore, do not take more than 6 capsules of chitosan plus in a day.

Chitosan Message Boards Online

Today's most controversial and debated issue prevailing in field of medical sciences is the claims on the efficiency of Chitosan. It is worth mentioning that there are only few online available Chitosan message boards for such discussions. It is the most common and frequently discussed subject matter among professionals and experts in almost all Chitosan message boards. Chitosan is one of the highly advertised fat burning products now-a-days.



Majority of manufacturers of Chitosan have given it the name of "fat magnet". They claim that Chitosan is fully capable of binding fats to molecules in the user's digestive tract. As a result it prevents the user's body from fat absorption and ultimately improves the weight loss. Online available Chitosan message boards not only offer discussion opportunities but these also provide all significant information about Chitosan.



Basically, Chitosan is naturally available form of fiber generally found in crustaceans and shellfish species. Chitosan based products are much liked by people from all over the world. You can also get complete range of details about it from any of the reliable Chitosan message boards offered by various biomedical related websites. Currently, Chitosan is declared as one of the most significant diet aid.



Now-a-days, people across the globe are taking Chitosan in form of supplements with their meals. However, the effectiveness and safety of Chitosan products to control weight and cholesterol is still the most controversial topic of online Chitosan message boards. These online accessible boards are quite handy and easy to use for getting information about Chitosan. This information includes the manufacturing technique, working process, composition and advantages of Chitosan and products made out of it.



You can easily join and browse any of the online available Chitosan message boards. In this why you can find out the satisfying answers to your all queries about Chitosan with no trouble. Now, you can get full advantage from the information given below about the most commonly used and outstanding Chitosan message boards.



BioTechniques.com is one the significant websites offering their message board under the title name of "Molecular Biology Techniques Forums". All important information about Chitosan is also covered by this messaging board as it is a biopolymer. You can post your queries on these message boards. However, you are required to be registered and then login if you want to take part in Chitosan related discussion. The process of getting registered with this website is so simple. All you need is to follow some rules that are quite general in nature.



PhysOrg.com is another website providing you with the facility of visiting, joining and participating in discussions on its Chitosan message boards. This website also has scientific forums launched for technological information especially physics. In addition, it is also offering forums that cover publications, details and news about many other scientific topics and their relevant problems.



BodyBuildingForYou.com was launched basically for lovers of body building and gives information about supplement reviews and Chitosan products for weight loss etc. Additionally, it is now offering Chitosan message boards for discussion on Chitosan as fat burner and as an improving agent of cholesterol profile.

Chitosan: Knowing The History

The actual pronunciation for Chitosan is 'Kite-O-San'. It is considered as fat magnet; however now researches have made it clear that it is just a fat inhibitor. It is useful for people who want to find an easiest way of losing body fat. In fact, it is a substance that is taken from chitin which is obtained in exoskeletons of crustaceans. You must be thinking how it is helpful and how it can be processed; Chitosan is processed by taking the shells away from the sea animals such as lobster, shrimps as well as crabs



Another question arises here is that how was it discovered and how it can be utilized; we are going to discuss it here. It was introduced in 1811 when chitin was appeared. The fact about the chitin was revealed by Braconn. He was professor of the natural history in France. He actually was performing search about mushrooms and he isolated something named as chitin after sometime. After about twenty years, another researcher revealed that it is also present in insects and some plants as well. The name chitin is derived from Greek word, i.e. tunic or envelope. The idea was further elaborated in 1843 by Lassaigne. He was demonstrating the occurrence of nitrogen in Chitosan.



After the invention of chitin, the name "chitosan" came forth. It was first revealed by Rouget whilst trying out different things with chitin. For that reason, Rouget found that the compound of chitin might be controlled through chemical as well as temperature interventions for it to become fat-soluble. After that, it was in 1878 while Ledderhose recognized chitin to be composed of glucosamine as well as acetic acid; it was not in fact until 1894 that Hoppe-Seyler identified the oriented chitin, chitosan.



In the beginning of twentieth century, a number of inquiries and searches considered chitosan as their theme of schoolwork. They after that implied origins of chitin, taking crab shells as well as fungai. In 1930, Rammelberg's researches headed to the verification on the uniqueness of chitosan from these sources. Moreover, it was distinguished that by hydrolyzing Chitosan in several modes, it was found out by individuals that chitin is a polysaccharide of glucosamine. In 1950s, the use of x-ray examination had promoted the study of the presence of chitin or chitosan in fungi. Though, it is just the most highly developed technologies that demonstrated the most trustworthy in keying out the occurrence of chitin in addition to cellulose in the cell walls.



In the beginning of sixties, chitosan was checked out for its capability to attach with the red blood cells. At that time, the matter of Chitosan was conceived and studied as a hemostatic agent. After that, for the earlier period three decades, it has been applied at water sanitization plants for detoxifying water. It is put on the shell where it soaks up greases, oils, as well as other prospective toxins. These days, Chitosan is recognized as a nutritional appendage that is excellent for weight loss.

Chitosan For Weight Loss

You might have listened to news as well as ads on the subject of chitosan weight loss. It actually is considered as a natural solution which is very much helpful in losing weight. This is what majority manufacturers claiming who are manufacturing this product. They depict the fact that the product truly helps people in losing fats. Furthermore, nowadays they consider that their weight loss products composed of chitosan are just fat substances that emerge to toil happenings for those in hunt of a secure mode to drop that body fat. You must be wondering what is chitosan; it actually is available for so many years and has long been regarded as an influential weight loss resolution.



It is derivative of chitin, which is a polysaccharide. It can be seen in the exoskeletons of crustaceans. As far as chitin is considered, it is refined by taking out the cuticles from the shellfish, such as crabs, shrimps as well as lobsters. They are then converted into a powdery form which is deacetylated. It can also be exposed of definite chemical groups, permitting the compound to vigorously absorb fats.



As you might be familiar with, many chitosan weight loss supplements are currently obtainable on the bazaar for free purchase. However, it is important to explore how accurately chitosan products are utilized for the particular reason. Essentially declared, chitosan is a particular fiber which is capable of absorbing anyplace from six to ten times its weight in fat as well as oils. If we would observe it considering it as a substance, chitosan then seems chemically resembling the plant fiber. The particular fiber is known as cellulose.



The thought of using chitin as a product for reducing weight was emerged from the concept that chitosan weight loss products are capable of considerably connecting with fat molecules as well as adapt them into a type which the human body does not take up. This helps, certainly, while the product is taken in accordance with what is intended for.



In addition, chitosan weight loss products declare to have an effect on that fat before it reaches the stomach. As a result, the fat reduces the possibility to be metabolized. Moreover, it is distinguished that the chitosan disallows the incorporation as well as storage of fat by substituting it into a gel which pins down or chokes up the fat.



In several directions, chitosan makes a "grease ball" from this extra and surplus fat, which is used greatly to be engaged by the body. As a consequence of this, the fat subsequently turns into an inert substance. It is simply egested in the stool. Dissimilar to other fibers, chitosan contains a positive ionic charge. Even though, the particular supplements for reducing weight are now extremely circulated, the thought of whether it is secure or valuable remains divisive.



The claim that these products are hundred percent innate as well as acts a super fiber is still affirmed with no proper studies or medical evidence of any type.

Chitosan For A Balanced Body

Obesity is one of the major problems faced by many people these days. Studies have reported that children are not even immune to obesity. Well, proper levels of circulating blood fats are very necessary for good health. The body naturally has a means of regulating the production and removal of these lipoproteins to keep them at healthy levels. However, if these levels have become too high, and the cholesterol "set points" attempts to reduce the cholesterol levels through diet alone will be defeated by your own body's production of cholesterol. It then follows that your body needs to maintain its inappropriate "set point".



Chitosan, a natural fiber derived from the shells of crustaceans like shrimps, lobsters and crabs, is now deemed as one of the most effective solutions to maintain a balanced body. There is what many people call as "body balance chitosan" which monitors the levels and proportions of circulatory fats, blocking the fats in the digestive tract, thus reducing the bad cholesterol while providing the appropriate effect which may possibly aid the natural production of the body's good cholesterol.



How Does Body Balance Chitosan Assist Weight Loss?



Body balance chitosan is an indigestible fiber which passes through the digestive system without being absorbed and without contributing any calories. However, it is interesting to know that body balance chitosan is not only a fiber which contributes no calories. As maintained by a number of claims, body balance chitosan binds to dietary fats, preventing them from being absorbed into the body. This is actually the main function of chitosan that has gained so much interest among those who are trying to lose weight, yet maintain a balanced body.



Further worth noting is the claim that when you eat food that contains fat, the body finds it easier to store those fats than to use them for body fuel. Aside from this, both the fats and lipids are absorbed into the bloodstream. They then carry cholesterol around the body where it can collect in arteries, veins as well as around organs. It is during this stage actually that the arterial blockages, fatty liver and other serious health problems can occur.



Perhaps what's nice about the said body balance chitosan is that the fat bound to it cannot make its way into the bloodstream or be kept inside the body as a fuel source. The reason is that, the complexed fat now forms a fat ball that is too big to fit through the lining between the digestive tract and the bloodstream. It is in fact found out that about eone half to two-thirds of the fat content of a meal can be absorbed by body balance chitosan. And, since the blocked fat failed to enter into the digestive tract and the bloodstream, it is then eliminated through the bowel.



What Chitosan Can't Do?



Note that chitosan works perfectly for a balanced body if you will combine it with exercise at medium intensity and nutrient like the Carnitine which boosts fat burning and energy levels. To put it simply, a body balance chitosan cannot make you lose fat that is already stored in the tissues of the body.

Chitosan Affecting Blood Lipids

Chitosan is one of the most useful products which help in reducing extra fats. It is used as a weight loss facilitator. It is also considered as cholesterol lowering mediator. It has long been the preferred subject of substantial study in the previous numerous decades. Many reports have distinguished that rising chitosan ingestion generally extends to reduced serum cholesterol levels in addition to improved ratios of high density to little density lipoproteins which is well recognized to be defensive next to cardiovascular diseases.



Together with the renowned fat as well as cholesterol lowering impressions of chitosan, a number of claims have issued emphasizing the consequences of chitosan affecting blood lipids. It is composed of deacetylation of chitin, which is similar to cellulose available in the external shells of insects. The insects include crabs, lobsters and crustaceans. The fungal cell walls also fall in the particular category. Dissimilar to the majority plant fibers, chitosan is famous for possessing positively charged amino groups. These groups create ionic bonds with lipids as well as bile elements.



The system of how chitosan affecting blood lipids look forward to exposition. On the other hand, the system is almost certainly intermediated by the chitosan activities on micelle construction in the gut. It is actually the lipid carrier and as per a few experts, the varied micelles in the gastrointestinal area enclose free fatty acids, cholesterol and other elements. Moreover, it one of the ways of getting the lipids ingested into the blood stream. Conceivably what defends the scheme of chitosan affecting blood lipids is the truth that chitosan works by fastening to the complimentary fatty acids along with bile acid elements, therefore getting rid of them from the micelles and cutting off the incorporation of lipids.



Many researchers have been guided to disclose the actual score of chitosan affecting blood lipids. The researches were carried on in both animals as well as humans. The results have usually been more striking in different animal examples. Maybe this is due to higher chitosan ingestion in a lot of the researches. On the other hand, several of the researches also demonstrate extremely remarkable diminutions on cholesterol in addition to LDL cholesterol levels. Furthermore, there are several that demonstrated growths in the HLD cholesterol.



Different researches carried out have collected effects that have been less straightforward, while several still indicative of positive results. One scrupulous research carried to realize if the claims on chitosan affecting blood lipids are factual is the current placebo-controlled, double-blind research. The particular research had noted that there was an important decline in LDL cholesterol amongst subjects experiencing 2,4000 milligrams of chitosan every day, equated with placebo matters. On the other hand, it was discovered that chitosan had no noteworthy result on the serum or on HDL, however it somewhat amplified triglycerides.



Other research has accounted parallel and related lipid outcomes, although some others have described that the claims on chitosan affecting blood lipids are not at all applicable. Maybe, these conflicts are because of the difference in the dose of chitosan given.

Chitosan 1000mg Products

At the present time, chitosan is one of the most recognized and highly utilized fat controlling supplements. In today's fast and trendy world people seem quite sensitive about their look and appearance. Overweight people are more concerned in this regard. They remain in search for better ways to change their personality into slim and smart one. People of almost all ages are so anxious about their weight, which eventually affects their overall look. Chitosan is now available in all medical stores and is one of the most noteworthy products in reducing body weight. On the other hand, people are still gaining more and more overweight despite of such a strong concern.



Numerous studies and reports revealed that one of the major problem faced by people of entire world is obesity. However, still there is a hope for people suffering from obesity in the form of chitosan. Moreover, a wide range of natural alternatives for weight controlling and maintaining are under process of development. Currently, chitosan made medicinal products are most frequently brought into play by heavy weight people.



Chitosan containing products stands high among other weight reducing products. This is because chitosan shows better ability of trapping, blocking and removing fat before its absorption in human body. Although chitosan fat removing products are available in 500mg and give good result yet chitosan 1000 mg offers optimum effects. Chitosan is a fibrous compound available naturally in the form of chitin (polysaccharides) present in external shells of crustaceans. Repeatedly performed biomedical studies have been revealed that fibrous Chitosan has an adequate power of binding body fats.



Chitosan shows resistance towards digestion but no need to be worried about it as chitosan contains no calories. The working impact and resulting effects of chitosan based supplements has greatly amplified their popularity among people. Chitosan 1000 mg products are now available in more than 50 varieties. However, the most commonly purchased and utilized varieties are Chitosan 1000mg Plus and Super Fat Bloc Chitosan 1000mg.



The Chitosan 1000 mg Plus is basically composed of specifically selected elements but main ingredient is 1000 mg of Chitosan. This chitosan based supplement has been publicized as quite an exclusive and hard to found product. As name implies, each tablet of this supplement contains 1000 mg of chitosan along with many other ingredients.



Perhaps, one of the best thing about Chitosan 1000 mg Plus is that it contains none of the psycho-stimulants. Working mechanism of this supplement is same as that of many other Chitosan containing products but differs in resulting effects. Obese people can get the most favorable and high rated results by making use of chitosan contrasting to its counterparts. Moreover, when overweight individuals take this supplement along with diet having lower calorie then it will surely lower the fat you intakes. Also, it facilitates in boosting efforts for significant weight loss made by obese individuals.



The Super Fat Bloc Chitosan contains vitamin C along with 1000 mg of chitosan. This is the reason it is capable if trapping fat before absorption in body. However, do not take any of the chitosan based medicines to reduce body fat without advice from your doctor.