Chitosan

Today, obesity is considered to be the main cause of numerous diseases worldwide, such as high blood pressure, all cardiovascular diseases including heart attacks, liver damage, arthritis, etc. Obesity is caused not only by excessive food intake but also by poor nutrition. Although the body primarily needs carbohydrates and proteins to produce energy, the main component of our diet today is fat. It is of particular importance that fat is the main source of energy. Excessively supplied energy (calories) is stored by the body in the form of fat deposits. The consequences are not only cosmetic, but can also lead to the diseases mentioned at the beginning of this article. As it is very difficult for the body to break down fat that has already been deposited, care should be taken to minimize fat intake in the daily diet. Another possibility is to inhibit the digestion of fat, for example by binding excess fat in the digestive tract and excreting it undigested. Such an inhibition of fat absorption can be ensured by the food supplement CHITOSAN. Chitosan comes from the Greek word chiton, which means undergarment, shell or armor, and was discovered by Rouget in 1859 by boiling chitin with potassium hydroxide solution. CHITOSAN is an amino polysaccharide that is extracted from the shells of mussels and the chitin shells of marine crustaceans (crabs, lobsters, shrimps, etc.). With regard to the effect of CHITOSAN, this substance has similar effects to a magnet. The polysaccharide creates a positively charged gel in the intestine, which attracts the negatively charged fat molecules and binds them to itself. The result is a large polymer (a combination of many molecules) that can no longer be digested due to its size. The polymer then "captures" other solids - such as sugar and carbohydrates - which would otherwise be converted back into fat and deposited by the body. The body excretes the bound substances undigested. In this way, CHITOSAN leads to an effective reduction in fat digestion, which in turn leads to a reduction in blood cholesterol levels. Since fat (as mentioned above) has more than twice as many calories as carbohydrates and protein, a reduction in fat digestion also provides effective weight loss support. In addition, studies have also shown that the regular intake of CHITOSAN leads to an effective reduction in elevated systolic blood pressure. A study conducted by ARS Medicina (Helsinki) in 1994 reported that test subjects who took chitosan for four weeks lost 8% of their body weight. Chitosan has been used for two decades without any side effects being found. Apart from its function as a fat binder, chitosan remains practically inactive in the body. Three studies conducted in Finland, Sweden and Italy, which also meet the scientific criteria and requirements demanded by registration authorities, provide information on the effectiveness of chitosan in weight loss programs. In all three studies, the effectiveness of chitosan as a dietary supplement for reducing and controlling body weight was demonstrated. The products not only accelerate the reduction of body fat, but also - in conjunction with this - lower blood pressure and reduce LDL cholesterol levels. There is also evidence for the safety of chitosan as a dietary supplement: in accordance with the GRAS passage (GRAS = Generally Recommended As Safe) pursuant to Section 170.30 of the US Food and Drug Act, various studies were carried out in the USA for the attention of the FDA. These studies have shown that chitosan is non-toxic even at high doses.

INDICATIONS

Weight reduction

CHITOSAN is the ideal supplement to support a diet. As this dietary supplement reduces fat absorption, a considerable proportion of the fat calories in the daily diet are not absorbed by the body. As fat is the most powerful source of energy, CHITOSAN is an effective aid to weight loss. A Finnish study showed that people who took CHITOSAN lost eight percent of their body weight over the course of four weeks.

Cholesterol reduction

Elevated cholesterol levels are a common symptom in the Central European population. According to epidemiological studies, elevated blood lipids and high blood pressure are the main causes of cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown CHITOSAN to be an effective substance for effectively lowering elevated blood cholesterol levels, in particular by reducing "bad" LDL cholesterol and increasing "good" HDL cholesterol.

Lowering blood pressure

In another scientific study, CHITOSAN led to an effective reduction in elevated blood pressure levels in males on a high-salt diet. This effect is probably due to the fact that CHITOSAN reduces the absorption of chloride in the gastrointestinal tract. As the sodium and chloride contained in table salt can lead to overhydration of the body in the long term, experts suspect that this water retention is partly responsible for the development of high blood pressure.

Further positive effects of CHITOSAN

CHITOSAN is also said to have additional beneficial effects on the growth of fungi and bacteria. In this context, the ability of CHITOSAN to suppress Candida growth is particularly important. After all, it has been proven that excessive Candida growth in the intestine can lead to numerous health problems. In addition, CHITOSAN also increases the bioavailability of calcium, which is of overall positive importance for bones, teeth and hair.

Note

CHITOSAN is not an essential nutrient, which is why the human body is not deficient in CHITOSAN. However, studies carried out over a longer period of time have shown that long-term use of CHITOSAN cannot rule out an impairment of the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E and K) and other minerals. Supplementation with a vitamin-mineral preparation is therefore recommended. The "good fats" are also bound and excreted by chitosan. It is therefore not advisable to take it regularly with every meal. It is ideal for reducing fat intake at unavoidable fatty meals such as business lunches, invitations to barbecues, cheese buffets and the like. Chitosan is a valuable addition to a correctly implemented weight regulation program. It gently cleanses the intestines, promotes digestion and thus digestive health.

Safety and side effects

Chitosan is potentially safe and harmless for most people when taken orally for short periods of up to 6 months. Possible side effects include mild stomach upset, constipation and bloating.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Not enough is known about the safety of chitosan during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid chitosan to be on the safe side.

Allergy to crustaceans: Chitosan is made from the outer skeleton of crustaceans. There are concerns that people who are allergic to crustaceans may also be allergic to chitosan. However, people who are allergic to crustaceans are allergic to the meat of these animals and not the shell. Some experts therefore believe that chitosan may not be a problem for people who are allergic to crustaceans.