Questions and Answers
I have heard about the potential for weight loss using Chitosan, which helps by keeping fats from being absorbed during digestion. Some concern has been expressed regarding the reduction of other vitamins at the same time. I have read that, as well as binding fats, chitosan binds fat-soluble vitamins, making them unavailable to the body. These include vitamins A,D, E, and K. There is concern that absorption of carotenoids (including beta carotene that the body converts into vitamin A) is also impaired.
Animal studies have shown that chitosan decreases calcium absorption, which may result in decreased bone mineral content.
Animal studies also show that chitosan can decrease Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus bacteria normally found in the intestinal tract. These naturally occurring micro-organisms seem to have many important roles, including the regulation of gut enzymes and digestion, anti-infective functions, and even vitamin manufacture and release.
My inquiry has to do with how long the chitosan remains in the digestive system, and whether or not, consumption of foods or suppliments which provide these vitamins "between these periods" would eliminate that concern.
Regarding the benefits of the bacteria in the intestinal system, could any potential problem be avoided by perhaps using chitosan one day and not using it the next day, then resuming it the following day, and repeating that pattern?
Hi G.W. ...
Chitosan, prepared from ground up crustacean shells, is a so-called
food supplement. It is not a recognised therapeutic agent subject to
rigorous, properly controlled, testing of efficacy and standardization. One
source quotes a Finnish study with beneficial results, but I have no
evidence of the nature of the study or its objectivity or control.
Weight control can be achieved by following the advice of a
professional dietician and observing a healthy life-style. Alteration in
gastrointestinal flora, should it occur, would take longer to recover to
healthy levels than by alternate day dosing.
Best wishes.