Many health supplements contain chitosan, a substance derived from the exoskeleton of marine arthropods, which has health benefits. One of these benefits is chitosan's ability to absorb oil, making it a popular choice for weight loss and controlling fat absorption. This article will introduce the efficacy and contraindications of chitosan, as well as products that effectively block oil absorption .
What is chitosan?
Chitin, also known as chitin, is a substance extracted from the shells of crustaceans such as shrimp, crabs, and insects. Chitin is a natural long-chain polymer, primarily composed of N-acetylglucosamine units, which can form nanofiber or hair-like crystalline structures. Chitin is commonly found in fish scales, arthropod exoskeletons, animal radulae or beaks, and butterfly wings. It has good biocompatibility, can be broken down and absorbed by the human body, and is unlikely to cause toxicity or allergic reactions. Therefore, chitin is widely used in various products, such as food additives, skincare products, and health foods.
Can chitosan absorb oil? An explanation of the mechanism of chitosan.
Under the action of gastric acid, chitin forms positively charged dietary fiber, while fatty acids carry a negative charge, causing chitin to bind with fat, preventing the intestines from absorbing fat, reducing calorie intake [1], and reducing fat absorption. Chitin can also inhibit the activity of lipase, which is a component that breaks down fat during digestion. Its main function is to break down fat into fatty acids and glycerol, and interfere with bile acid synthesis and fat metabolism. By binding with fatty acids, chitin inhibits their activity, and also removes excess cholesterol and bile acids from tissues and excretes them from the body [2], reducing excess fat in the body. In addition, some studies have shown that chitin can regulate the balance of intestinal flora, thereby stimulating the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and promoting the secretion of GLP-1 and PYY hormones [3].
Chitosan efficacy
The main effects of chitosan include:
Block oil absorption
Chitosan can bind with fat molecules in food, forming a complex that cannot be absorbed by the intestines. This process reduces fat absorption, thereby lowering calorie intake and helping to control weight and manage blood lipid levels.
Promote cardiovascular health
By removing excess cholesterol and bile acids from the body, it helps lower the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and total cholesterol in the blood, effectively reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke.
Aid digestion
Chitosan has gut-improving effects. By regulating the balance of gut microbiota, it can promote intestinal peristalsis and help maintain gut health. In addition, chitosan can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, thereby improving the gut environment and overall digestive function.
Increase satiety
Chitosan can promote the secretion of GLP-1 and PYY hormones, thereby increasing satiety and controlling appetite, which helps with weight management.
Contraindications of chitosan consumption
Chitosan is a natural substance that most people can consume safely. However, in certain situations, it may be necessary to be aware of the contraindications associated with consuming chitosan:
- For people allergic to crustaceans: Chitosan is extracted from the shells of crustaceans such as shrimp and crab. Therefore, people allergic to crustacean seafood should avoid consuming chitosan. Ingesting chitosan may trigger allergic reactions in those allergic to crustaceans, such as skin redness, itching, and difficulty breathing.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Since cholesterol is an important part of the structure of infant cells, especially brain cells, if pregnant and breastfeeding women consume chitosan, it may lead to low cholesterol levels in their bodies, which may affect the development of the infant.
- People with chronic diseases or who take medications long-term: Chitosan may interact with certain medications, especially those that affect blood sugar and blood lipids, potentially reducing their effectiveness or even causing adverse reactions.
Which foods contain chitin? Is it enough to get enough from our daily diet?
Chitin is mainly found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans such as shrimp, crab, and lobster, as well as in the cell walls of insects (such as crickets and silkworm pupae), certain mollusks (such as snails), fungi, and mushrooms. The highest content is found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans. However, while crustaceans like shrimp and crab are consumed in our daily diet, most people only eat the meat and not the shells, resulting in very low chitin intake. As for mushrooms, although they contain chitin, the content is far lower than in crustaceans, and the human body's digestion and absorption rate of chitin is limited.
It is evident that obtaining sufficient chitosan from a daily diet to achieve significant health benefits is actually quite difficult. Therefore, to obtain the benefits of chitosan, such as oil absorption and weight loss, it is recommended to take chitosan supplements rather than relying solely on dietary intake.
MeiShouShou extracts chitosan to help you easily lose fat and weight.
There are many ways to control weight. If you want to reduce oil intake, fight fat accumulation, and promote digestion, you might consider purchasing NeoYouth Calonara. In addition to controlling appetite, it also works by promoting intestinal detoxification and reducing fat formation to achieve healthy weight loss.
NeoYouth's slimming formula includes chitosan, a substance derived from deacetylated chitin. Chitosan can block fat absorption, naturally suppress appetite, and lower fat-causing hormones, making it less likely for food to be converted into fat, thus effectively combating obesity in a healthy way. Chitosan also promotes intestinal digestion, improves the gut microbiota environment, thereby improving digestive function, maintaining gut health, and helping you regain a slimmer abdomen while providing a feeling of fullness and suppressing excessive appetite.
In addition, the product is made in Japan, is purely natural and additive-free, and does not contain any unnecessary ingredients such as fragrances, colorings, or preservatives. It has multiple international patents and clinical evidence to support its efficacy, ensuring that it is non-irritating, non-medicinal, and caffeine-free. Even if taken before dinner, it will not affect sleep quality.
After learning about the oil-absorbing properties of chitosan and its contraindications, if you have any questions about NeoYouth Calonara (美の瘦瘦) from Japan, please feel free to contact us for product information.
References:
1. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1271/bbb.69.2057
2. https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/9/6/782
3. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jf305410k
4. https://www.right-time.com.tw/%E7%94%B2%E6%AE%BC%E7%B4%A0/
5. https://www.fjb100.com/blog/posts/chitinefficacy
6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7827691/
7. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf305410k
8. https://www.cna.com.tw/news/ahel/201903230076.aspx
