Chitosan, derived from crustacean shells, is used in plastic surgery and dentistry, but is most commonly used as a dietary supplement for weight loss and high cholesterol. However, its effectiveness is unproven and it can cause side effects such as stomach upset and gas. It can also interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients and medications, and trigger shellfish allergies. Pregnant women and warfarin users should avoid chitosan.
Chitosan is a substance obtained from the shells of various types of crustaceans, including shrimp and crabs. While chitosan is sometimes used in plastic surgery to encourage tissue growth and encourage wound healing and by dentists to treat gum disease, it is perhaps best known as a dietary supplement. While there is a lack of scientific studies proving its effectiveness, many consumers use chitosan to treat conditions such as obesity and high cholesterol. Chitosan is available over the counter, without a prescription. Common side effects of chitosan include stomach upset, constipation, and gas. Other potential problems with consuming chitosan are possible drug interactions, triggering a shellfish allergy, and malabsorption of certain nutrients.
Chitosan is often consumed before a meal in the hope that it will absorb dietary fat, thus preventing the digestion of fat and its calories. While its effectiveness as a weight loss treatment has not been proven, many people still buy and use chitosan for that purpose. Some users complain of chitosan’s more common side effects such as stomach upset and gas, although the discomfort is usually not severe and goes away after a while.
The most serious concerns about chitosan’s side effects relate to its ability to bind to fat, which can interfere with the absorption of essential minerals, fat-soluble vitamins, and some medications. Pregnant women, in particular, are cautioned against using chitosan as it may prevent them from adequately absorbing essential nutrients such as vitamins A and D and calcium. Some medications, such as oral contraceptive pills, are also fat soluble and can be made less effective by consuming chitosan. There is also evidence that chitosan enhances the effects of warfarin, a blood thinner. Because this interaction could cause increased bruising or bleeding, warfarin users should avoid chitosan.
While technically not a side effect of chitosan, allergic reactions remain a concern for potential chitosan users. Medical writers are careful to note that shellfish allergies are triggered by the flesh of a shellfish, not its shell. It’s still a good idea for those with shellfish allergies to be wary of chitosan and to be on the lookout for symptoms of a shellfish reaction. These symptoms can include swelling, rashes, and breathing problems. Since these symptoms can be serious and even life-threatening, chitosan users experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
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