What Are The Dangers of Chitosan?

I guess you’ve heard about chitin and chitosan as they are heavily promoted in television infomercials, magazine and newspaper ads, and even on dozens of websites. Numerous claims have it that chitin and chitosan promote effortless weight loss, that is, the chance to shed pounds without sacrificing your favorite foods or engaging in exercise and other activities that might cause you to break a sweat.

Although highly claimed as fat busters, fat absorbers, fat trappers and fat magnets, there are no studies or evidences to support such mentioned claims. Those who are consuming large quantities of chitosan have been doing so without scientific evidence to support that the products really work. There was one lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) against a company named SlimAmerica for advertising and violating federal consumer protection laws with the company’s chitin claims. FTC won $8.3 million for that judgment. Several other lawsuits were filed, all against the misleading advertisements of chitosan.

The basis of such judgments against the manufacturers of chitosan is the fact that there are no scientific evidences shown to back up their claims. Although it has been reported that there are no known dangers of chitosan, critics still warn the people about the potential dangers of chitosan and chitin.

Perhaps one of the most common reasons for the critics’ warning about the possible dangers of chitosan is that the composition of the chitin can vary depending on the seawater, including the time of year and the animal it is extracted from. For example, shrimp from different regions can absorb through the natural chelation process different impurities from the surrounding water. The chelation is actually the process to which chitin captures fat in the intestine and sweep them through the body before they are metabolized.

Experts further stressed that there is a great possibility for adverse dangers of chitosan to occur as although many brands advertise that they have pure chitin or chitosan, there is really no pure form. Chitosan-based products are always combined with lots and lots of other things, and those other things are very hard to remove.

The possible dangers of chitosan may also occur to those who have seafood allergies. It’s no wonder that many critics and even the makers of chitosan-based products warn that consumers with seafood allergies should avoid their products as chitosan is derived from crustacean shells.

The proliferation of chitosan further worries many the diet experts who believe that the promotional claims of the chitosan-based products offer false hope to very desperate, overweight people. There is a possibility that these people may hope that the chitosan might have even some small effect.

And, as what I’ve said earlier, there is great possibility for some adverse dangers of chitosan to occur as scientific evidence just doesn’t support their use. It was in fact found out by some thorough researches that the studies conducted on chitosan were uncontrolled and involved just anecdotal evidence. There were no high-quality, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trials to support the efficacy of the product. Much worse is that those chitosan studies failed to comply with the minimum accepted scientific standards.

Were the various chitosan weight loss products as good as fat binder as their claims assert, they would also likely cause massive diarrhea, constipation, and strip the body of essential fat soluble, and these are just among the potential dangers of chitosan.

Chitosan Plus: An Excellent Fat Burner?

Several chitosan-based products are highly available on the market these days. One of the highly and commonly purchased chitosan-based products available today is the Chitosan Plus.

What is Chitosan Plus?

Chitosan Plus is derived from the exoskeleton of crabs. It has long been known as a designer fiber especially formulated and developed to attract and hold food fat as well as cholesterol for safe elimination. Unlike the other fibers that absorb fat and bile acids to a limited extent, chitosan is the super fiber that functions like a magnet; hence it is now dubbed as the “fat magnet”. What it does is to attract negatively charged food fat, cholesterol and bile molecules. Aside from this, there are a number of clinical trials which indicate that Chitosan Plus can absorb as much as five times its own weight in fat, bile and cholesterol in the digestive tract.

How Does It Work?

Chitosan Plus, being derived from chitin, is different from other fiber-based products. Claims have it that the particles of chitosan are positively electrically charged during its purification process. And, since opposites attract, this is what cause chitosan to be a fat magnet as it attracts fat molecules, which are negatively charged.

Furthermore, Chitosan Plus contains chitin which is an amino polysaccharide. Chitosan is even considered as an alkalized form of chitin so it has the ability to bind fats in the stomach before they are absorbed through the digestive system. According to some proponents of Chitosan Plus, this supplement has the ability to absorb over one-third of one’s dietary fat depending upon the amount of chitosan taken. The resulting non-digestible mass is then excreted through the digestive tract in the process enhancing elimination.

Today, the effect of Chitosan Plus on the excretion of fat is five to ten times greater than any other natural dietary fiber. This product is calorie free and is therefore a very valuable dietary supplement for those who wish to improve their health and yet maintain a low-calorie and high-fiber diet.

Experts further hold that if the Chitosan Plus is taken with Vitamin C, it works more effectively. This claim is actually patterned on the 1994 study which indicated that the addition of vitamin C to chitosan resulted in a 50 percent increase in the chitosan’s ability to bind fat. What’s more interesting to know is that ingesting Chitosan Plus with its antioxidant ascorbic acid not only aids reduce cholesterol levels, but also aids to scavenge the oxidizing effect of oxidized cholesterol in the system.

Directions for Use

Take 1 to 2 capsules of Chitosan Plus with 12 oz. of water before every meal, or as directed by the health care professional. Also, don’t exceed to 6 capsules per day, and as with all the weight loss regimens, be sure that you maintain a well balanced diet and take plenty of water.

Warning: It is important to note that those who are allergic to shellfish must not take Chitosan Plus. Do not also take if you are pregnant, lactating or taking medication. If possible, consult with your doctor before using.

Where to Find Discount Chitosan

Now that the summer season is fast approaching, you’ve probably resolved to get fit and trim. Perhaps you’ve already considered taking over the counter dietary supplements to help you reach your weight loss goals. Why don’t you consider chitosan-based products?

Chitosan has been around for ages. It is highly considered as a potent weight loss aid for its ability to bind fats in the digestive tract, preventing these fats to enter into the system, thus promoting weight loss. Well, nutrition shops, pharmacies and even websites are now offering a plethora of chitosan-based products that claim to burn fat, block absorption, modulate carbohydrates metabolism, boost energy expenditure, flush out excess water weight, control cravings, and suppress appetite. And, perhaps what is best about these products is that they are now offered in discount prices.

Now, if you are planning to take chitosan to help you achieve your weight loss goals, I have here below some sites that you can visit online discount chitosan. Yes, you heard me right – discount chitosan. Okay, here are a few of them:

QualityGenerics.com

Quality Generics currently features Chitosan Plus, which is manufactured by Universal Nutrition. This discount chitosan-based product acts as an effective fat blocker or fat trapper as it binds to fats in the body’s GI system. As such, Chitosan Plus is said to prevent dietary fats from being absorbed by the body.

Note that you can avail a discount of this product if you buy more. This is for the fact that Quality Generics offer a volume discount of Chitosan Plus. And, perhaps what is nice about this offer is that you also have the chance to receive bonus pills savings if applicable.

FitFlex.com

Another notable site where you can find a discount chitosan-based product is FitFlex.com. Just recently, they offered the Dymatize Fat and Thin Chitosan fat trapper. As the name implies, this is said to be potent for promoting weight loss. And, being a discount chitosan-based product, you have the chance to receive this item in a discounted price.

HerbsMD.com

Probably you’ve chitosan by Natrol. Well, this chitosan is now offered at HerbsMD.com at a discounted price. According to certain reviews of this discount chitosan, Chitosan by Natrol helps bind fat on the diet, promoting weight loss. This discount chitosan can now be used in conjunction with a healthy calorie reduction and exercise program.

VitaNetOnline.com

You can also find a discount chitosan at VitaNetOnline.com. Just like Quality Generics, you will be able to receive chitosan-based products with discounts here if you will buy more for the reason that they only offer volume discounts. There are also other diet and weight loss supplements available other than chitosan.

Netrition.com

Finally, Netrition is out there to give you various chitosan-based products with discounted prices. Here you can find a number of discount chitosan products manufactured by different laboratories, such as the Chitosan Plus, F Block, Reduce, and others, all at discounted prices. So, just choose the right product for you.

There are other sites online that offer chitosan at discounted prices. However, since chitosan is derived from the shells of crustaceans, it is important to note that those who are allergic to shrimps, crabs, lobsters and other shellfish must not take these supplements. Pregnant women are also prohibited as chitosan might affect the growth of the child, particularly on retardation.

Liquid Chitosan

Chitosan has been around for ages. It is known throughout the world as a simple substance taken from chitin, a polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans. Chitin has long been considered as the nature’s second most abundant polymer. This is for the fact that it is not only found in shellfish but also found in insect shells and fungi cell walls.

Chitosa, a refined form of chitin, is produced or processed by removing the shells from shellfish. The shells are then ground into a pulverous powder, which is deacetylated or stripped of specific chemical groups allowing the compound to actively soak up fats.

There are a number of applications linked to chitosan. Because of these applications, chitosan is now marketed as a dietary supplement and is used to thicken foods, paints and makeup, and it even has promising applications as an artificial skin for burn victims.

Chitosan is manufactured in two forms: the dry and flakey product, and the liquid chitosan. Both of these forms are marketed as dietary aids, but it is actually the liquid chitosan which gained a lot of interest from the people. Perhaps a reason for this is liquid chitosan is said to eliminate clumping problems or stomach pains as it causes the fat to form into hundreds of tiny calorie-free beads that are far gentler on your digestive tract.

The liquid chitosan is often identified by its appearance, color, protein content, degree of deacetylation, viscosity, insoluble, and other factors. Here is a summary of these factors:

• Appearance: Liquid
• Color: Clear and yellow
• Protein Content: Less than 0.5 percent and often results to 0.14 percent if measured by Kjeldal method.
• Degree of Deacetylation: More than 90 percent with a result of 95 percent if measured through colloidal method.
• Viscosity: If you will prepare liquid chitosan by stirring 30 minutes, you can get a viscosity of about 50cps. You can measure it with Brookfield viscometer.
• Insoluble: Less than 0.5 percent insolubility if 20 grams of liquid chitosan is dissolved in 100 ml of distilled water.
• Heavy Metals (As and Pb): Less than 10ppm if measured through ICP analysis.
• pH: Liquid chitosan has a pH level of less than 5.5
• Odor: Liquid chitosan has actually no taste and smell

Today, liquid chitosan is commonly used as a weight loss supplement. Many of those who have used the flakey product have turned to the liquid form noting that liquid chitosan works better in the system than the flakey form. In fact, there was one report noting that a customer who once used the flakey form of chitosan developed gas and stomach pains. To avoid such unfavorable condition, she turned to using the liquid form.

There is a recently produced liquid form of chitosan that is said to eliminate this problem, and is even deemed two to three times more effective. According to certain reports, instead of forming large clumps, this liquid chitosan causes the fat to form into hundreds of tiny calorie-free beads that are gentler in your digestive tract. However, there is an important side note to the use of this liquid chitosan, that is, in addition to binding fats, it binds the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, making them unavailable to the body. This is the reason that most experts recommend a supplement with high-quality multivitamin.

What is Chitosan?

What is Chitosan? That’s the most common question we often hear from those who want to know the nature of chitosan. Now, when you hear the word “chitosan”, are you not also tempted to ask such question? Well, I guess all of those who hear the word for the first time are interested to know what chitosan really is.

So, what is chitosan?

Chitosan, on its most basic, is a natural product derived from chitin, which is a polysaccharide found in the exoskeleton of shellfish or crustaceans such as crabs, shrimps, prawns, lobsters, squid, and clams. While chitosan has been in existence for years, its most current form has just recently been prepared.

Another great answer to the question of what is chitosan is the discovery which suggests that chitosan is a naturally occurring substance that is chemically similar to cellulose which is a plant fiber. Just like the plant fibers, chitosan possesses a number of properties or qualities as fiber. What sets chitosan apart from plant fiber is the fact that chitosan has the ability to significantly bind fat in the digestive tract. So, if your question “What is chitosan” is answered with the term “fat magnet”, then don’t wonder because chitosan is now dubbed as a “fat magnet”.

To better understand the nature of chitosan, I think it is best that you know the functions of this non-digestive fiber. According to some studies, chitosan absorbs and binds fat in the digestive tract, preventing the absorption of this fat into the body. With this function, chitosan is said to inhibit LDL (bad) cholesterol and boost HDL (good) cholesterol. Also, it promotes healing of ulcers and lesions.

Chitosan is also viewed as an antibacterial. It even acts as an antacid and inhibits the formation of plaque or tooth decay. Several studies also found out that chitosan helps to control blood pressure, helps to prevent constipation, reduces blood levels of uric acid, and is a calcium enhancer or bone strengthener.

Furthermore, your question on what is chitosan can also be answered by looking at its history. Note that chitosan has a history of about three decades of use in processes like detoxifying water. Studies on what is chitosan have revealed that when it is spread over the surface of water, it literally absorbs oils, greases, heavy metals and other potentially toxic substances. It is dubbed “fat magnet” perhaps for the reason that just like a fat magnet, chitosan attracts the bio-hazardous substances in the body from drinking water ti such extent that a scum forms in the water, which can easily be removed. Further studies on what is chitosan also revealed what does this indicate to the scientists is that this polymer compound can selectively absorb fats even in water medium.

Today, the answer to the question on what is chitosan can highly be cleared by looking at some medical studies. As you may know, some answers to such question stressed the words “weight loss supplement”. The truth is, there is still no concrete evidence to prove that chitosan is really a weight loss supplement. And, whether chitosan is safe or effective as a diet aid still remains controversial.

Chitosan Message Boards Online

Perhaps one of the highly debated or most controversial issues in the field of science and medicine today is the various claims on the effectiveness of chitosan. Chitosan is highly marketed these days as a fat burner. Many of its manufacturers even dubbed it as the “fat magnet”, claiming that chitosan binds fat to molecules in the digestive tract, preventing the body from absorbing the fat and promoting weight loss.

Chitosan is basically a form of fiber found in shellfish like crabs, shrimps, and lobsters. Well-known throughout the world as a diet aid, it is now taken in supplement form with meals. However, whether chitosan is safe or effective for weight loss remains controversial. In fact, this is the most common subject matter discussed in most chitosan message boards.

Now, if you are really curious about chitosan, how it works or what are its benefits, then why don’t you consider joining or browsing some of the highly accessible chitosan message boards online? These chitosan message boards could help you find answers to your chitosan questions.

Don’t have any idea of where to join? Consider the following chitosan message boards and join in the discussion if you have time:

BodyBuildingForYou.com

BodyBuildingForYou.com is currently managing its own message board for body building addicts. Covered under this message board are supplement product reviews, weight loss and fat burners discussions, bodybuilding, weightlifting, and training threads. You will find discussions about chitosan either on the supplement reviews or in weight loss and fat burner section. However, for you to join in the discussion about chitosan in particular, you need to register and log in. This allows you access to the different sections of this one of the most accessible chitosan message boards online.

BioTechniques.com

BioTechniques presents their message boards named as the “Molecular Biology Techniques Forums”. Chitosan, being a biopolymer, is no doubt covered here, thus you can find and access the chitosan message boards if you want. Here, you can post your chitosan questions and concerns, or post a reply to a particular message or post. However, just like the above mentioned chitosan message board, you also need to register and log in order for you to participate in the discussion. Of course, there are certain rules you need to follow, but these rules are somewhat general in nature.

PhysOrg.com

Here is another site you can visit if you wish to join and participate on chitosan message boards. The PhysOrg scientific forums are actually dedicated to physics and technology. However, there are also some forums that cover news and publications, as well as off-topic forums categories. So, if you need any help on any of your scientific problems or you want to ask about a question related to physics and technology, then this portal is no doubt the right place for you. Also, if you want to ask about chitosan, its chemistry and other related concerns, PhysOrg.com has their own chitosan message boards.

Note that there are only few chitosan message boards online. What I have mentioned above are good enough for you to get started.

Understanding Chitosan Chemistry

At one time or another, you’ve probably sat down to dinner with oysters, lobsters, shrimps, crabs, squid, prawns, or clams on the table. You’ve probably feasted on these appetite boosters unless you’re allergic to crustaceans. Well, the next time you partake on this event, think twice before you throw away the outer shell. The shell actually contains chitosan, a very valuable polymer.

Speaking of chitosan, it is interesting to know that this substance is a biopolymer that has a wide range of biomedical applications, such as wound healing, tissue engineering and tissue repair, as well as local delivery of cells, drugs, proteins, genes and other therapeutic. You will encounter these biomedical applications of chitosan every time you discuss about the chitosan chemistry.

The Production of Chitosan

According to some chitosan chemistry resources, chitosan is formed through N-deacylation of the chitin molecule. Note that chitosan is a linear polysaccharide composed of randomly distributed B-(1®4)-linked D-glucosamine (deacetylated unit; D) and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (acetylated unit; A). With this composition, chitosan is produced commercially by deacetylation of chitin, which according to chitosan chemistry resources is the structural element in the exoskeleton of crustaceans. The degree of deacetylation (%DA) can then be identified by NMR spectroscopy, and the %DA in commercial chitosan is in the range of 60 to 100 percent.

For clearer view of the preparation of chitosan, try to visit Dalwoo.com as it shows a comprehensive illustration as to how chitin or chitosan is produced.

Chemical Properties of Chitosan

Several biomedical studies showed that chitosan is useful as polymer carrier for catalysts as well as for intermediate products for synthesis of fine chemicals. As noted by a number of chitosan chemistry resources, chitosan has its own chemical properties. These include:

• Linear polyamine (poly-D-glucosamine)
• Reactive amino groups
• Chelates many transitional metal ions
• Basteriostatic and fungistatic effect
• Separations of protein

It is further worth noting that the viscosity of chitosan solution, based on chitosan chemistry studies, primarily depend on the average molecular weight of the polymer. This weight can be determined by size exclusion chromatography coupled with light scattering detection.

The Amino Group in Chitosan

Several chitosan chemistry studies have revealed that chitosan primarily contains amino group. This group has a pKa value of ~6.5, which means that chitosan is positively charged and soluble in acidic to neutral solution with a charge density dependent on pH as well as %DA-value.

Given such fact, chitosan chemistry studies then concluded that chitosan is no doubt a bioadhesive and readily binds to negatively charged surfaces like the mucosal membranes. Aside from this, chitosan chemistry resources that chitosan has the ability to improve tha transport of polar drugs across the epithelial surfaces. With that, chitosan is found biocompatible and biodegradable.

Application of Chitosan

Following a number of successful chitosan chemistry studies, the development of commercial applications for chitin and chitosan has expanded rapidly in recent years. Much to that, there is now a greay potential for exploitation of chitosan in numerous markets. Perhaps the best promises for these markets are benefits for the fields of health care, cosmetics, agriculture, waste and water treatment, food and beverages, immobilization and cell culture, and in the product separation and recovery.

Medical Studies on Chitosan

Chitosan is a form of fiber chemically processed from the shells and bones of crustaceans like crabs, lobsters, and shrimps. It is a form of fiber that is not well-digested by the human body. Studies have noted that as chitosan passes through the digestive tract, it tends to bond with the ingested fat and carry it out in the stool. It is for this reason actually that chitosan has been tried as an agent for lowering cholesterol and reducing weight. However, almost all of the conducted medical studies on chitosan have revealed results that have been more negative than positive.

There are basically two major claims maintained and studied by medical researchers. These include the belief that chitosan improves cholesterol profile, and aids for weight loss. Let’s talk about these claims one by one.

High Cholesterol Profile

Most of the medical studies on chitosan were conducted to find out if chitosan really does improve the cholesterol profile. According to two out of three double-blind, placebo controlled medical studies on chitosan, the compound can modestly improve cholesterol profile.

There is also an 8-week double-blind placebo controlled medical trial done on 51 women which found that the use of chitosan at a dose of 1,200 mg twice a day slightly reduced the bad cholesterol or the LDL as compared to placebo. However, according to conducted medical study, such intake of chitosan does not actually affect the total or HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Aside from this, another 8-week trial enrolling 84 people found modest benefits.

However, one of the most successful medical studies on chitosan, a 4-mont double-blind and placebo controlled trial of 88 individuals, found no significant improvement in cholesterol with 1,000 mg three times a day of a different chitosan-based product. The results of this study were supported by the following 10-month double-blind and placebo controlled study which employed a special microcrystalline form of the compound at a dose of 1200 mg twice a day. Based on these two medical studies on chitosan, the substance failed to improve the cholesterol profile.

Experts then said that these contradictory results suggest that if chitosan actually improves the cholesterol profile, it only does so to a slight extent.

Weight Loss

As you may know, chitosan has long been advocated as a weight loss supplement. It is even dubbed as the “fat magnet” on the basis of its supposed ability to bind fat in the digestive tract. Nevertheless, despite of a number of positive results in small preliminary medical studies, the largest and by far best designed trial conducted to prove the weight loss claims failed to find benefit. This well-known study is actually a 6-month double-blind and placebo controlled study involving 250 overweight people who were required to use chitosan at a dose of 3 grams a day. The results of this trial, however, failed to improve weight loss to any meaningful extent as compared to placebo. There are also other medical studies on chitosan that support this result.

Taken together, it is clear that chitosan has not been proven to help a person lose weight, increase their HDL cholesterol or decrease the LDL cholesterol. And, although companies selling chitosan claim that it is very effective and even claim to have medical research about how well their product works, the medical studies on chitosan still suggest to better be careful when considering chitosan-based products.

Possible Side Effects of Chitosan

Chitosan, dubbed by many as “fat magnet”, is a unique form of fiber found in the bones of crustaceans like crabs, shrimps, lobsters, crayfish and squid. It is a non-digestible fiber that is extracted and taken in supplement form with meals.

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.

Well, at the time of writing, there were no well-known adverse side effects of chitosan. Perhaps one main reason for this is that 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.

PBL Reduce Chitosan

Many chitosan-based products are now available on the market these days. All of them promise to block fat in order to benefit from weight loss. To mention, one of the most popular chitosan-based products available is the Reduce Chitosan, formulated and developed by Performance Biomedical Laboratories.

What is Reduce Chitosan?

As the name implies, PBL’s Reduce Chitosan contains an ingredient known as chitosan, which works to bind to some of the dietary fat that you consumer and removes it from the body rather than allowing it to be absorbed.

According to some reviews and claims, Reduce Chitosan binds to the intestinal lining where it tightly binds dietary fats and lipids prior to the absorption in the body. This process happens upon oral ingestion. 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?

The proponents of Reduce Chitosan hold that during the digestive process, 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. From here enters the chitosan.

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.

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