More research is needed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this herb. Another weight loss product widely marketed over Denver area radio stations for the past year is Chitoslim. Chitoslim 5000 is the trade name for a product called Chitosan. It's marketed by Jayco, a company being investigated for fair trade practices after New Zealand Consumers lost money when dissatisfied with another Jayco weight loss product, Medex Diet Patches. According to information from companies that market Chitosan, it is an all-natural product derived from the polysaccharide chitin.
Chitin is found in the exo-skeletons of shrimp, crabs and other shellfish.
Chitosan is a marine fiber that binds fat in the stomach. It is believed that this will keep dietary fat from being stored in the body as unwanted fat. In general, however, fat blockers are not always beneficial. Proponents say that Chitosan can help with weight loss because the body must then convert previously stored body fat for an energy source because it is not digesting and absorbing fat from one's diet. In an international medical data search on Chitosan, a Consumer research group found 80 references for its use.