The use of chitosan in numerous environmental, agricultural, biomedical, and health-related areas is well documented. Experts agree that a high fat diet is directly linked to cardiovascular disease, various types of cancer and premature death. Taking chitosan prior to eating a meal can make dietary fat goals more obtainable while promoting a number of desirable health benefits. Fats bound to chitosan become non-absorbable, thereby negating their caloric value. Among the abundant natural fibers, chitosan is unique.
Most natural fibers are neutral or acidic.
The ingestion of chitosan resulted in 5-10 times more fat excretion than any other fiber. Studies have shown that chitosan combined with vitamin C is more effective than chitosan alone. Studies have shown that vitamin C significantly enhances chitosan s ability to bind lipids resulting in even greater fat loss and increased fat absorption. In spite of this finding, people are eating more fat and becoming fatter. The average absolute fat intake has increased from 81 to 83 grams per day over the last ten years.