Chitosan

Related Terms

Absorbitol?, carboxybutyl chitosan, chitin, chitosan ascorbate, deacetylated chitin biopolymer, deacetylated chitosan, enzymatic polychitosamine hydrolisat, ExofatT, Fat AbsorbT, Fat BlockerT, Fat BreakerT, FatsorbT, Fat TrapperT, Fat Trapper PlusT, Fronac NT, glucosamine, HEP-30, kitosan, LipoSan UltraT,microcrystalline chitosan, mono-carboxymethylated chitosan, N-acetylated glucosamine, Nofat?, NovamicT, Somagril?, sulfated carboxymethylchitosan, sulfated chitosan, sulfated N-acetylchitosan, trimethyl chitosan chloride.

Background

Chitosan comes from chitin, which is part of the outer shell-like structure of insects, spiders, and crustaceans.
Chitosan is sold in the United States and other countries as a form of dietary fiber that reduces fat absorption. However, scientific evidence suggests only a small effect of chitosan on fat absorption.
Chitosan may be effective for lowering levels of blood cholesterol or lipids. Whether the use of chitosan is equal to or better than other treatments for high cholesterol is not yet known. Study results suggest that chitosan may help improve cholesterol levels when combined with a low-calorie diet.
Some evidence indicates that chitosan may be useful for patients undergoing hemodialysis for kidney failure and in the management of dental plaque. More evidence is needed to confirm these results.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Study results suggest that chitosan may help improve cholesterol levels when combined with a low-calorie diet.

B


Study results suggest that chitosan may help improve cholesterol levels when combined with a low-calorie diet.

B


While some studies suggest that chitosan is an effective weight loss therapy, others have found it is ineffective. More evidence is needed.

 B


While some studies suggest that chitosan is an effective weight loss therapy, others have found it is ineffective. More evidence is needed.

 B


Evidence suggests that chitosan has antibacterial properties and may reduce dental plaque. More evidence is needed.

C


Evidence suggests that chitosan has antibacterial properties and may reduce dental plaque. More evidence is needed.

C


Limited evidence suggests that chitosan may be useful during long-term hemodialysis. Further studies are needed to determine safety and efficacy.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that chitosan may be useful during long-term hemodialysis. Further studies are needed to determine safety and efficacy.

 C


There is limited evidence on the effects of chitosan in wound healing. Better studies are needed.

C


There is limited evidence on the effects of chitosan in wound healing. Better studies are needed.

C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Doses of chitosan include: 1 to 6 grams daily for up to 8 weeks, and 450 milligrams three times daily for up to 12 weeks. Chitosan has been applied to the skin for 3 to 6 months.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Chitosan may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or in patients taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Chitosan may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or injection should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare provider. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Chitosan may have additive effects when used with cholesterol-lowering, anti-obesity, or antibiotic drugs. Chitosan may also slow the absorption of oral contraceptives.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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