Chitosan

Chitosan is a polysaccharide and is used for a variety of medical and commercial tasks. Most commercial chitosan is derived from the shells of crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs.

Chitosan has long been used to stimulate plant growth and inhibit fungi. Because it's widely available and relatively non-toxic, chitosan is convenient for both commercial and consumer use.

As well as an anti-fungal, chitosan has antibacterial properties and is used as a fast acting coagulant with gauze bandages. A Portland Oregon company, Hemcon, is selling chitosan dressings to the United States Army for use on the battlefield in Iraq.

Chitosan has also become popular as a weight loss fat blocker. It is supposed to work by attaching to fat in the digestive system and allowing it to pass through digestive system without being absorbed.

This would offer a great advantage over other weight loss products as it would allow a person to lose weight without making changes to their diet.

Although properties of chitosan appear to support these claims, some scientists are skeptical. As of late 2007, there haven't been any credible studies to support these claims.

Chitosan appears to have beneficial effects such as lowering cholesterol and improving kidney function.

The following natural health product companies offer chitosan: Eclipse Sports Supplements, Natural Balance, Nutricology, Only Natural, Universal Nutrition, Now, Trimedica, Source Naturals, Bio-Tech and NVE Pharmaceuticals. Click Here to Order Chitosan.