Chitosan
Deacetylated chitin comes from the exoskeletons of arthropods.
Mechanism of Action
Bile acid sequestration and fat binding in GI tract; also acts as a dietary fiber as it is not readily absorbed.
Dose
1000 -1200mg BID; can be dosed up to 4000mg per day.
Evidence
In a Cochrane meta-analysis of 14 trials, n=1131, the following results were all statistically significant (p< 0.001):
Weight loss averaged 1.7kg (1.3 - 2.1kg) or 3.4 (2.9 - 4.6 lbs.)
Total cholesterol decreased by 0.2mmol/L (0.1 - 0.3)
Systolic BP decreased by 5.9mmHg (4.6 - 7.3)
Diastolic BP decreased by 3.4mmHg (2.4 - 4.4)
All
The better controlled, larger, longer trials showed less change.
Reference
Ni Mhurchu, et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005 Jul 20;(3):CD003892
Adverse Effects
No different from placebo; some nausea and diarrhea have been reported
Chitosan may reduce absorption of fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
Interpretation
Chitosan is safe, but has little clinical effect on weight loss
(VoroN, Shrimp, openclipart.)