Can I Lose Weight With Chitin, A Component of Shellfish?

Many natural health practitioners are looking at chitin as a
possible weight-loss tool in a diet program. While still under
study, proponents of it have helped this natural product and
formulations made from it popular. Those seeking to lose weight
efficiently are buying this product in droves. Manufacturers and
marketers of chitin have seen great sales growth in Japan and
the United States in recent years.

Chitin is a positively charged polysaccharide that comes from
an animal source. This source is shellfish in the form of
shrimp, crab and lobster. A polysaccharide is a string of sugar
molecules found in the outer shell of these crustaceans. Chitin
is also found in marine coral and the outer shells of certain
insects, such as beetles and ants. Chitin shares chemical
similarities with cellulose and starch, which are plant fibers.

The weight-loss benefits of chitin are in its binding
properties. Some researchers believe that the positively charged
polysaccharides attract negatively charged bile acids and free
fatty acids. These acids are now bound by the positively charged
chitin and therefore are not absorbed into a person's system.
The result is the prevention of an increase in dietary fat,
which puts the pounds on a person's frame.

Some evidence from studies does suggest that chitin breaks down
in the stomach and changes to a gel. Some researchers believe
this is where the binding takes place as this gel traps fats and
cholesterols. This process is believed to occur in the
intestine, where chitin prevents the fat from becoming absorbed
and digested.

All types of fiber are beneficial for preventing the absorption
of fat into the body, at least to some degree. Studies show that
chitin, as an amino polysaccharide fiber may do this to a
greater degree. Some proponents believe chitin has the capacity
to expel up to four times its weight in fat. Some claim it binds
10 times its weight in fat and does this better than any other
kind of fiber.

Some believe chitin works best when used in conjunction with a
high-fat meal. If it's going to be one of those high-fat intake
days, they say taking chitin can help you counter the fat.
Taking chitin may help bind the fat molecules and take them
through your system until they're eliminated. However, chitin
does not bind carbohydrates, protein, or alcohol.
Over-indulgence in them, even with chitin added to your diet,
may mean you will still put on weight.

Because chitin is a non-digestible, non-absorbable fiber, it
acts as a carrier. It doesn't absorb into your body as other
foods can. It helps carry harmful fats away through its binding
capabilities before they have a chance to settle in. Studies
suggest chitin may do this and help improve blood cholesterol
levels as it goes about its work.

Chitin is a calorie-free fiber supplement. A product that is
abundantly available, it is even used in food manufacturing as
an edible film to protect foods from spoiling. It is often found
at a reasonable cost and is a product known for having few side
effects. One caveat with chitin is that those allergic to
shellfish should not consume chitin. In addition, pregnant women
should not take chitin products because of a possible reduction
in calcium and vitamin D absorption. Of course, any weight-loss
program needs to rely on healthy foods and exercise in addition
to any weight-loss supplements. It's all part of an overall
healthy approach to losing weight.

Along with its possible benefits as a weight-loss tool chitin
has other benefits. It is used in the manufacture of surgical
thread. Being biodegradable, it dissolves over time as a wound
heals. It also has properties that allow for its use as a
wound-healing agent.

Studies continue in the uses of chitin as a weight-loss
product. As a natural product, readily available, diet
supplement manufacturers strive to make innovative products from
it. Their focus is to further research chitin so they can use it
to help those striving to take control of their weight.

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