Chitosan supplementation does not affect fat absorption in healthy males fed a high-fat diet, a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
The use of dietary supplements, especially those for weight control, is increasing. Advertising claims for some of these supplements may give consumers unrealistic expectations. For example, it is claimed that the supplement chitosan can block the absorption of up to 120 g of dietary fat per day.


OBJECTIVE
To test the effect of a chitosan supplement used as directed, on the absorption of dietary fat.


METHODS
Seven healthy male volunteers with average age 28, range 23-30, average body mass index (BMI) 26, range 23-31, maintained a high fat intake (>120 g/day) for 12 days. On days 6-9, chitosan was taken as directed by the manufacturer prior to meals and snacks and totaled 15 capsules or 5.25 g of chitosan daily. A charcoal marker was consumed on days 2, 6 and 10 to mark the baseline and supplement periods. All feces were collected on days 2-12, and were divided based on the appearance of charcoal in the feces. Fecal fat content corresponding to the four baseline and four chitosan-supplemented days was measured.


RESULTS
Average dietary fat intake did not differ between baseline (135+/-5 g), and chitosan (135+/-3 g) periods. Fecal fat excretion did not differ between the two periods (6.9+/-1.0 g/day baseline; 6.8+/-0.4 g/day chitosan). The fecal fat content as a percentage of fat consumed did not differ (5.1+/-0.7% baseline, 5.0+/-0.3% chitosan). Fecal mass did not differ (176+/-26 g/day baseline, 182+/-14 g/day chitosan).


CONCLUSIONS
Consumption of this chitosan supplement did not increase fecal fat content and therefore did not block fat absorption.
Gades
M D
MD
Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA.
Stern
J S
JS
D000328:Adult; D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002686:Chitin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D048271:Chitosan; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012016:Reference Values
D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents; D004041:Dietary Fats; D002686:Chitin; D048271:Chitosan