Does Chitosan Work, Is It Safe

Chitosan is the generic term of diet products that are based on a simple substance extracted from the shells of shellfish such as lobster, shrimp or crabs.

This extract, which can absorb fats, grease and toxic substances, was first used in water purification processes, and it was later added in the composition of slimming tablets.

There are several diet products containing this ingredient, and they are available through slimming product websites or in high street stores.

The vast majority of slimming, non-prescription pills is composed mostly of natural, herbal ingredients.

Chitosan is also a natural substance. It is a polysaccharide found in the shells of crustaceans, and after it goes through a special process, it turns into a fat-absorbing substance.

Chitosan Slimming Pills

As you have probably understood, Chitosan is a fat blocker which prevents the absorption of a part of the fats that are contained in our meals.

It works in the same way as the widely-used Xenical, (Orlistat), and a prescription-only fat blocker, which is composed of chemical substances but has become a really popular brand in the field of slimming products.

Clinical Studies

If you visit different websites that sell Chitosan diet pills, you will read a lot of unsubstantiated claims about how effective their products are.

There have been several clinical studies but they have not proved the effectiveness of Chitosan in weight loss.

One clinical study in Auckland University, in which 250 adults participated, showed that the product did not significantly contribute to weight loss, but it managed to lower cholesterol levels significantly.

The results of this study were published in September 2004 in theInternational Journal of Obesity.

There were several other studies but most of them were carried out on animals so their results cannot be conclusive of Chitosan’s effectiveness on humans.

Side Effects

There are no reports for serious side effects for short-term use of the product.  However, if the product is used for a longer period, or in larger than the recommended doses, some users may experience side effects such as:

• Hives or other skin rashes
• Breathing problems
• Stomach aches or Constipation
• Tightness in the chest or in the throat
• Allergic reactions such as itchy or swollen ankles

Recommended or Not?

Fat binders seem to be the most effective of diet pills, and the herbal-based ones are far better than Chitosan.  We wouldn’t recommend a product of doubtful results when consumers can find several tested and clinically proven diet products that are safer and a lot more effective.

Recommended Alternatives

There are several slimming supplements that are given preference for many reasons.

PhenQ, Capsiplex, Garcinia Cambogia, Phen375 and Raspberry Ketone offer an all round better experience from a results and safety perspective.

Click here to read about the recommended slimming pills in the UK