| Definition: | Chitosan is a fiber-like product made from ground shrimp
shells that inhibits fat absorption. It is not digestible and has the ability
to absorb many times its weight in fats, preventing their absorption
through the intestinal wall. |
| Applications: | Obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension, heartburn and
gout. |
| Recommendations: | Chitosan comes in capsules and powders and
should be taken just prior to eating a meal with fat content. Four to
eight capsules per meal is the usual amount required to absorb
adequate amounts of fat. Using simple chitosan for fat absorption is
better than blends which do not contain enough of the compound to be
effective. |
