Chitosan has the unique ability to attach itself to lipids or fats. There are no calories in Chitosan since it is not digestible. Chitosan attaches to fat in the stomach before it is metabolized. Chitosan traps the fat and prevents its absorption. Fat binds to the Chitosan fibre is then eliminated from the body.
Chitosan fibre differs from other fibres in that it possesses a positive ionic charge.
This positive charge gives Chitosan the ability to bond with negatively charged lipids, fats and bile acids. Chitosan has been used for over two decades without side effects. Other than its fat binding action, Chitosan remains virtually inactive in the human body. Another benefit of Chitosan is that it inhibits bad cholesterol and boosts good cholesterol. Chitosan acts as an antacid and may be beneficial for ulcers and lesions.