Chitosan

Chitosan/Nutrient Depletion:

  • CalciumCalcium: According to animal evidence, long-term, high-dose chitosan supplementation may result in malabsorption of calcium (18; 16).
  • Essential fatty acidsEssential fatty acids: As shown in animals, chitosan may inhibit absorption of fat-soluble dietary supplements (16; 29; 30; 31).
  • GlucoseGlucose: Although human studies are lacking, animal studies have reported that chitosan may decrease glucose concentrations (23; 24).
  • LipidsLipids: Multiple trials have demonstrated modest lipid-lowering properties of oral chitosan supplementation, including decreases in total and LDL cholesterol (4; 25; 5; 6). Results have been inconsistent regarding the effects of chitosan on levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
  • MagnesiumMagnesium: According to animal evidence, long-term, high-dose chitosan supplementation may result in malabsorption of magnesium (18; 16).
  • SeleniumSelenium: According to animal evidence, long-term, high-dose chitosan supplementation may result in malabsorption of selenium (18; 16).
  • Vitamin AVitamin A: As shown in animals, chitosan may inhibit the absorption of fat-soluble dietary supplements (16; 29; 30; 31).
  • Vitamin DVitamin D: As shown in animals, chitosan may inhibit the absorption of fat-soluble dietary supplements (16; 29; 30; 31).
  • Vitamin EVitamin E: As shown in animals, chitosan may inhibit the absorption of fat-soluble dietary supplements (16; 29; 30; 31).
  • Vitamin KVitamin K: As shown in animals, chitosan may inhibit the absorption of fat-soluble dietary supplements (16; 29; 30; 31). However, in clinical study, serum vitamin K was significantly increased after four weeks of chitosan treatment (12).