Chitosan is a sugar that comes from the outer skeleton of shellfish, including crab, lobster, and shrimp. It’s used as medicine and in drug manufacturing.
Chitosan is a fibrous substance that might reduce how much fat and cholesterol the body absorbs from foods. It also helps blood clot when applied to wounds.
People use chitosan for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, wound healing, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.
Uses &Â EffectivenessÂ
Possibly Effective for
- High blood pressure. Replacing table salt with a table salt product that contains small amounts of chitosan (Symbiosal) might help lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.
- Obesity. Taking chitosan by mouth while on a calorie-restricted diet can improve weight loss in people who are overweight or obese, but only by a very small amount.
- Recovery after surgery. Applying a chitosan gel might help prevent scar tissue from forming in the sinuses after surgery.
There is interest in using chitosan for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Chitosan is possibly safe when used for up to 3 months. It might cause stomach upset, constipation, or gas.
When applied to the skin: Chitosan is possibly safe when used short-term.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Chitosan is possibly safe when used for up to 3 months. It might cause stomach upset, constipation, or gas.
When applied to the skin: Chitosan is possibly safe when used short-term.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if chitosan is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Shellfish allergy: Chitosan is taken from the outer skeleton of shellfish. People with allergies to shellfish might also be allergic to chitosan.
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