FACTS

Chitosan is a "fat blocker," a supplement that enhances weight loss by preventing the absorption of fat. Derived from chitin, which is found in the exoskeletons of shellfish such as shrimp and crabs, chitosan is similar to plant fiber in that it is not digested by the body. When taken orally chitosan acts like a "fat sponge." As it passes through the digestive tact it can absorb four to six times its weight in fat, thereby flushing it out of the body before it can bee metabolized and stored as excess pounds. In other words, you can have your cake and eat it too-as long as you use chitosan!

Alas, chitosan is not a cure for chronic overeating. It should only be used occasionally-perhaps as a tool to "jump-start" a diet, and not for more than two weeks at a time. The problem is that while chitosan is chasing the fat out of your body it can also rob you of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins E, A, D, and K. Therefore, I cannot recommend it for long-term use. If you are taking chitosan, you must supplement your diet with fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids. Otherwise, chitosan appears to be safe, and some studies suggest that it may be beneficial beyond its potential as a weight-loss tool. For example, one recent study showed that when mice were fed a known carcinogen, the mice eating chitosan-supplemented diet had fewer precancerous lesions of the colon than mice not given chitosan. Studies have also shown that chitosan can dramatically lower total blood cholesterol levels and raise the levels of HDL, or good cholesterol, which protects against heart disease. This versatile supplement is also reputed to prevent tooth decay and is an excellent antacid.

POSSIBLE BENEFITS

• Can help promote weight loss by blocking absorption of fat.
• Lowers cholesterol levels.
• May protect against colon cancer.

THE RIGHT AMOUNT

Take up to three 250-mg. tablets daily with meals. Be sure to drink 8 ounces of clear filtered water with each tablet.

CAUTIONS

Do not use chitosan if you have an allergy to shellfish. This supplement (or any other fat blocker) should not be used by pregnant or lactating women or by children.

GENERAL ADVICE

If you are taking chitosan, or any other fiber supplement, be sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.

Chitosan works best when combined with a sensible diet and exercise regimen.

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