Chitosan popularly known as the fat buster has been there for ages. Chitosan is produced commercially by deacetylation of chitin found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans. This is processed by removing the shells from shellfish like lobster, shrimps and crabs.

Uses of Chitosan:

They are being used as a plant enhancer as they can boost up the plants to fight against fungal infections. They can be used both for indoor and outdoor plants. They do not have any harmful chemicals so they are safe for people, animals and the environment as well.

Chitosan are also used for water filtration process. When they are put on water they absorb any toxic substances such as oils or grease or any other heavy metals. They cause the fine sediment particles to bind together thus forming a scum on the surface which can be easily removed during filtration.

Most popularly sold as a fat attractor as they can soak up saturated fats from your digestive system and expel it from your body thus you can lose weight without you giving up on your diet.

How do they work in weight loss?

Chitosan is available in the market mostly in tablet form. It is a special fiber that can soak up saturated fat like a magnet and absorbs about 4 to 6 times its weight in fats. It does not let the fat reach your stomach and so does not get metabolized. It forms an indigestible gel which traps the fat and then the fat gets eliminated with your body waste. As lipids, fats and bile acids all have negative charges, hence they form chemical bonding with each other and so attract naturally.

Chitosan is safe and acts as a supplement. It can create a cleansing process in your body which is good for weight loss. The producers also claim that as they have the ability to expel fat from your body a person can continue taking fats in their diet and so the cravings for such foods is not there. As less fat enters the body, the body turns to previously stored body fat to burn up. This shifts the energy source from your diet to your stored body fat and results in a net reduction in that fat.

The producers also say that this process can be boosted by addition of vitamin C and enhance the absorption of lipids. The increased suppression of appetite is obtained by adding citric acid and thus boosts up the action of chitosan as well. Thus, most of the products which contain chitosan as a chief substance also include the addition of some sort of vitamin C supplement. Whatever claims are being made by the producers, researches show that chitosan can remove roughly about 30 calories a day. They may also cause side effects as they may render ineffective minerals required by your body.

As there are no specific research studies to support the claims on chitosan used for weight loss you must be careful about taking it. Chitosan is not a drug, but a natural fiber and is safe for consumption. However those having seafood allergy and pregnant women should avoid taking it.