Diet Lose Supplement Weight

Admin | January 05, 2012 | Comments Off

Diet Lose Supplement Weight

Diet Lose Supplement Weight

Chitosan is derived from a starch found in shellfish, including crab and shrimp, called chitin. Chitin is commonly used to accelerate plant growth and ward off fungal infections as it is hypoallergenic and has natural anti-bacterial properties. It also removes heavy metals, oils and phosphorous from water and is used in water filtration systems as it binds to sediment and removes it. Another use for chitosan is in wine making and beer brewing as it removes yeast and unwanted particles. It is also used in bandages as a blood clotter.

Chitosan as a Diet Aid

Chitosan is not digested by the body, so it passes straight through the intestinal tract and is not absorbed. Its chemical make-up is such that it can bind with fat and remove some of it as it passes through the body. Because of these binding abilities, chitosan has been touted as a diet aid and is commonly used in many over-the-counter natural weight loss supplements. The marketing hype says chitosan absorbs fat from the digestive system and then the body expels it. In theory, this means someone could lose weight without going on a diet. Unfortunately, this theory is completed unfounded. Researchers have found chitosan could potentially remove around 30 calories a day from the diet, but that is hardly enough for any serious weight loss. Marketers of the product claim their chitosan is modified and can absorb three to six times more than its weight in fat and oil. These claims are totally unfounded and there is no hard evidence to back them up.

Chitosan Side Effects and Shellfish Allergies

Some animal trials were carried out but no human testing has been undertaken to date. Anyone deciding to try this product should bear in mind that it is derived from shellfish, so it should not be used by those with shellfish allergies. Other than shellfish allergies, taking chitosan over a long period of time may deplete the body of important minerals such as magnesium, calcium and selenium. In any case, most weight loss professionals agree chitosan is not effective as a herbal weight loss supplement.