How does chitosan work

At the end of the collection period, the faeces samples were pooled and a sub-sample retained for laboratory analysis. Feed samples were collected each day and retained for chemical analysis. The animals were blocked on the basis of live weight and litter of origin and were randomly assigned to one of the four dietary treatments used in the Exp.

Animals were penned in groups of ten with an individual space allowance of 0. The experiment was run over two time periods with ten pigs of each treatment examined per time period. Each pen had a solid floor lying area with access to slats at rear. When the animal entered the feeder, it was recognized by the electronic system MLP-Manager 1. The recorded data were used to calculate the individual dietary intake. The body weight of each animal was measured at the start of the experiment and subsequently on day 17, day 35 and day 57, and dietary intake was monitored daily.

Blood samples 10 ml were taken from 5 animals per treatment per run total of 10 per treatment and were collected from the vena jugularis by puncture into vacutainers Becton, Dickinson, Drogheda, Ireland on day 0 prior to commencing of the experiment , day 35 and day 57 to facilitate adipokine leptin, IL-6 and CRP quantification.

Blood samples were collected from the same pigs at each time point. All the animals were sacrificed on day 57 of the experiment. Backfat thickness was measured at 6 cm from the edge of the split back at the level of the third and fourth last rib by using the Hennessy grading probe Hennessy and Chong, Auckland, New Zealand.

The lean meat content was estimated according to the following formula [18] :. Selected intestinal bacterial populations were measured as research has shown that a weight loss intervention based on a decrease in energy intake has an important impact on the composition of the gut microbiota of overweight individuals with Lactobacillus populations been one the most amendable gut bacteria to dietary intervention [20].

As a large number of intestinal bacterial species are unculturable [21] , lactobacilli were enumerated as a reflection of changes in the population structure of beneficial bacteria. The relevance of measuring Enterobacteriaceae populations as an indicator of pathogenic bacteria is debated; however, intestinal inflammation has been related to a marked increase in Enterobacteriaceae numbers [22] , [23].

Digesta samples were stored in sterile containers Sarstedt, Wexford, Ireland , placed in insulated containers with dry ice, and transported to the laboratory within 3 h.

Populations of lactobacilli and Enterobacteriaceae were selectively isolated and enumerated. Typical colonies of each bacterium were counted, log transformed and presented per gram of digesta. The neutral detergent fibre NDF fraction of diets and faeces was analysed by using a Fibertec extraction unit Tecator, Hoganans, Sweden [24].

The oil content was determined by using the Ether Extract Method B [25]. Sensitivity of the assay was 0. All of the samples were assayed in duplicate in the same assay. Data of body weight gain, dietary intake, nutrient digestibility, selected microbial populations and carcass data were analysed as a completely randomised design, with the animal as the experimental unit.

The statistical model used included effect of dietary treatment, run and interaction between treatment and run. The model included the effects of treatment and time and the associated interaction. Multiple regression models were used to determine the relationship between leptin and dietary intake. Probability values of less than 0. The effects of varying chitosan inclusion level on nutrient digestibility are shown in Table 2.

The effects of varying chitosan inclusion level on dietary intake, body weight gain and feed efficiency ratio of the animals are shown in Table 3. The effects of varying chitosan inclusion level on carcass characteristics are shown in Table 4.

The effect of dietary treatment on serum leptin and CRP concentrations is presented in Figure 1. There was no effect of chitosan on serum leptin concentrations on day 0 and There was no effect of the chitosan on serum CRP concentrations on day 0 and The majority of the IL-6 samples in the present study were below a minimal detectable level of IL-6 in serum, hence, were not included in the analysis.

Differences in serum leptin concentration over time at days 0 basal , 35 and Values are mean with the SEM represented by vertical bars. Differences in serum C-reactive protein CRP concentration over time at days 0 basal , 35 and There is increasing interest in the use of natural resources as protective agents against obesity because of synthetic compounds having some harmful side-effects [28].

In the present study, supplementation of the ppm chitosan resulted in a significant decrease in body weight gain, which was associated with a decreased carcass weight and carcass fat content. In addition to chitosan increasing faecal fat excretion, the present study also showed that ppm chitosan decreased dietary intake, which was associated with increased serum leptin concentrations and a decrease in CRP concentrations.

Hence, the results of this study highlight novel nutritional endocrine mechanisms by which chitosan exhibits anti-obesity properties in vivo. Chitosan supplementation at ppm decreased crude fat digestibility in this experiment, suggesting that dietary supplementation of chitosan inhibited the intestinal absorption of dietary fat. This observation is supported by a number of previous studies in the literature.

A number of in vitro studies have demonstrated that chitosan can bind fats and bile acids [29]. Although the mechanism is not fully understood, it has been suggested that chitosan dissolves in the stomach, emulsifying fat and forming a gel, which binds with the fat in the intestine, therefore interfering with the absorption of fat in the intestine [30] , [31].

This insoluble complex then passes undigested through the large intestine and is naturally excreted. It has been proposed in other studies that the decreased body weight gain achieved by chitosan supplementation is related to its fat binding properties [9] , [10]. Some research has shown that the supplementation of chitosan can bind to minerals and decrease mineral absorption in rats [9] , [32].

Interestingly, the inclusion of chitosan had no effect on ash digestibility in the current study, which implies that chitosan was not binding to minerals. Chitin is made up of hard and highly insoluble chains of N-acetylglucosamine. Chitosan, on the other hand, is more soluble is mostly made up of glucosamine chains [ 2 , 3 ]. Unlike chitin, chitosan completely lacks irritant or allergic properties and is highly compatible with human skin — unique properties that gave rise to chitosan bandages [ 2 ].

Chitosan oligosaccharide is prepared by further modifying chitosan and breaking its large chains into smaller ones. It offers several advantages over both chitin and chitosan: much better solubility, lower viscosity, increased bioavailability, and superior benefits [ 2 , 3 ].

The process of producing chitosan oligosaccharide is complex and hard to fully control. Other compounds and impurities can sneak into the final product during manufacturing. Its durability and unique chemical structure grant chitosan potential health benefits. People mostly use it for enhancing weight loss and lowering cholesterol , but it can also form protective films on damaged skin and aid its healing.

Chitosan is a non-digestible dietary fiber. When consumed, its network of large molecules binds to toxins, fats, and cholesterol in the gut. These get carried out of the gut and removed with the stool. In other words, chitosan may reduce the absorption of fats and toxins in your gut by binding to them, a mechanism observed in rat studies [ 4 ]. When chitosan is applied to the skin, it frees active compounds that reduce inflammation and enhance rejuvenation.

In cells, chitosan lowered the action of several inflammatory compounds such as IL-1b ; it also increased the action of anti-inflammatory ones, such as IL — a cytokine essential for skin regeneration and wound healing [ 5 , 6 ].

Chitosan gels can help speed up wound healing and aid in surgery recovery. In a meta-analysis of three clinical studies, chitosan gel dressing reduced swelling and helped stop bleeding after sinus surgery.

The dressing did not influence crusting or infections [ 7 ]. In one study, topical chitosan stimulated collagen production, increased the local immune response, encouraged tissue regeneration, and prevented scarring [ 9 ]. Researchers have been studying chitosan as a binding agent for table salt for the management of high blood pressure hypertension. No valid clinical evidence supports the use of chitosan for any of the conditions in this section. Below is a summary of up-to-date animal studies, cell-based research, or low-quality clinical trials which should spark further investigation.

Chitosan forms connective films, attaching to bile and fatty acids in the gut. The films then pass through your digestive system, potentially increasing the amount of fat removed in the stool [ 12 , 13 ]. But placebo alone helped people lose up to 4 lbs. A Cochrane database review included 15 clinical trials of 1, total participants. However, this review failed to confirm increased fat excretion.

By attaching to and enhancing the removal of excess fats, it may also increase the elimination of important minerals such as calcium and fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D and vitamin A [ 16 ]. Further clinical trials should investigate long-term safety and efficacy of chitosan supplements for weight loss. In one trial of 84 women, chitosan worked to lower total cholesterol levels better than placebo.

In a subgroup of women over 60 years of age, it also reduced LDL and total cholesterol [ 17 ]. On the other hand, chitosan failed to improve cholesterol levels in three studies of participants in the absence of dietary changes [ 18 , 19 , 20 ]. It may be a safe option for people with borderline-high cholesterol levels, along with appropriate dietary and lifestyle changes.

More research is needed. Chitosan supplements may help people with kidney disease or kidney failure, but the research to-date is sparse. In one older trial, chitosan given to 40 people with kidney failure improved strength, appetite, and sleep after 12 weeks. It also increased hemoglobin and reduced blood creatinine and urea levels, which points to its potential to improve kidney function [ 21 ].

Additionally, high phosphorus levels are strongly linked with a higher risk of dying in people with chronic kidney disease. In rats, an iron -chitosan complex reduced blood phosphorus levels. This complex can bind phosphorus stronger than most other available phosphorus binders [ 22 , 23 , 24 ]. Liquid Chitosan is clear and yellowish in color. Unlike the tablets, which form large clumps of fat in the digestive system, the liquid chitosan causes fat to form into tiny pieces.

These small clumps are easier to digest and pass. Taking excessive amounts of chitosan can cause certain vitamin deficiencies. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, fat-soluble vitamins -- namely vitamins A, D, E and K, which are stored in the liver and fatty tissues -- can bind with chitosan.

There's a possibility for these vitamins to be depleted insignificantly. Patients who are allergic to crustaceans and shellfish will develop hypersensitivity reactions when taking chitosan. A double-blind Polish study found that people taking 1, mg of chitosan three times daily during a weight loss program lost significantly more weight than people taking a placebo with the same program.

Adverse effects on the growth of children and on the outcome of pregnancy are possible. People with intestinal malabsorption syndromes should not use chitosan. While no long-term studies of the effects of chitosan on human health have been done, animal studies suggest that this compound could inhibit the absorption of minerals and fat-soluble vitamins. Learn more about TraceGains, the company. The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only.

It is based on scientific studies human, animal, or in vitro , clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available.