I understand that Chitosan plus "binds" to fat in the stomach before it is absorbed in the digestive system then the bloodstream, but where does the fat actually go? It has to go somewhere, right? Also, it is recommended not take Chitosan plus with caffeine, but can you have coffee say either one hour before or after taking the supplement. Thanks for anyone who could answer my questions.

hi Sweetrose,
Here is an article on chitosan you might want to read.
http://www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/health_psychology/chitosan1.htm
I think it answers your question.

Monique

It goes out...

Flushed through your system.

Caffeine is highly acidic and will affect its absorption but an hour either side of ingestion should be fine.

Chitosan has a limited application but in some instances is effective. Keep in mind it can bind up essential fatty acids as well, so it's not something you want to use all the time. Just during exceptionally high fat meals.

Here are some studies:

CHITOSAN REDUCES TUMOR GROWTH RATE
A conjugate of N4-(4-carboxybutyryl)-1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (glu-ara-c) with chitosan,[chi-glu-ara-c], was prepared and evaluated on its utility as a macromolecular prodrug. 1-beta-D-Arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-c) was predominantly regenerated gradually from [chi-glu-ara-C] in 1/15 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, at 37 degrees C, and its amount after 7 d incubation was 56% (w/w). The antitumor effect was evaluated by an increase in the lifespan (ils) of the mice bearing P388 leukemia at the single administration at 24 h after inoculation. Ara-C exhibited an ILS of 3.4% at a dose of 100 mg/kg, and the survival time was not significantly different from that of the control. However, chitosan-[chi-glu-ara C] showed an ILS of 60.7% at a dose of 88 mg eq ara-C/KG, and the survival time was significantly different from that of the control. chitosan and chi-glu-ara-C were observed to cause the side effects judged from the body weight loss to a certain extent. However, chitosan[chi-glu-ara-C] was recognized to be useful because of its effectiveness.[1]

CONSERVATIVE RESEARCH ACKNOWLEDGE THE THEORETICAL BASIS FOR CHITOSAN
A detailed conservative literature search, including all relevant medical and supplementary medicine databases and evidence submitted from manufacturers for the theoretical basis and rationale for the use of each substance was considered by Egger, Cameron-Smith, & Stanton, along with available research in the published literature on effectiveness and potential risks. They classified the level of evidence represented by the main research studies on each substance, concluding:
"There is some support for mild effects of capsaicin, caffeine and fibre, but only in whole foods. In some cases (e.g., chitosan), there is a plausible theoretical basis for the product.........."[2]

CHITOSAN BINDING TO FAT
The lipid-binding capacity of chitosan was evaluated relative to other mixtures of bile salts, dodecyl sulfate, ox bile, and a mixed microemulsion. Under experimental conditions which affecting binding (i.e. pH and ionic strength), chitosan demonstrated a strong binding ability for bile salts. Under these conditions, chitosan was demonstrated to bind approximately 4-5 times its weight for all experimental lipids tested. [3]

MECHANISM FOR THE INHIBITION OF FAT DIGESTION BY CHITOSAN AND FOR THE SYNERGISTIC EFFECT OF ASCORBATE
After receiving basal (cellulose-containing) diet for five days, then fasted 24 hours, twelve rats were divided into two groups. One group received basal diet for two hours, the other group received chitosan-containing diet for two hours. While stomach and jejunum contained similar content weights, the chitosan-fed group contained considerable chitosan-fat gellation. The ileum of chitosan-fed rats contained more than twice the content of the control group. [4]

COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF CHITOSAN AND CHOLESTYRAMINE ON LYMPHATIC ABSORPTION OF LIPIDS IN THE RAT
In a study using thoracic duct cannulation to assess lipid uptake, chitosan demonstrated a 51% reduction in cholesterol uptake and a 41% reduction in oleic acid uptake by the thoracic duct during a 24-hour testing period. In animals fed for 4 weeks on defined diets containing 5% of chitosan, oleic acid uptake was reduced by 58%, while cholesterol absorption was reduced by 63 to 69% and oleic acid absorption decreased by 58 to 62%. [5]

CHITOSAN INCREASES FAT EXCRETION IN ANIMALS
In a study investigating the cholesterol-lowering effect of chitosan vs cellulose in male Wistar rats during a 20-day period, administration of chitosan was associated with increased fecal excretion of neutral sterols. In a study comparing the effects of 23
different dietary fibers on fecal fat excretion, chitosan was found to markedly increase fecal fat excretion, while reducing fat digestability approximately 50% compared to control (cellulose). Fatty acid composition of the chitosan-bound fecal lipids reflected
that of the dietary fat, suggesting a general facilitation by chitosan to excrete dietary fats.[6, 7, 8] Rats received five different high-fat diets containing chitosan or cellulose as control (containing or not containing ascorbate lactate or citrate) as a source of dietary
fiber. The chitosan-fed group had significantly lower fat absorption and significantly higher fat excretion. Within the chitosan group, and addition of ascorbate was associated with a significantly larger increase in fat excretion than the other organic acids. [6, 7, 8, 9]

.............................................................
CHITOSAN'S METABOLIC BODY COMPOSITION RESEARCH IN HUMANS
.............................................................

NUTRITIONAL ASPECTS OF CHITOSAN EMPLOYMENT IN HYPOCALORIC DIET
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 100 obese (10-25% overweight) individuals. In addition to following a 1000-1100 Calorie diet during the study, the 2 groups received 4 chitosan (50 subjects) or placebo (50 subjects) daily (2 ea @ lunch and dinner; one gram of chitosan at each meal) for a 4-week period. Both groups demonstrated significant reduction in body weight and degree of obesity, compared to study initiation; however, the chitosan group exhibited significantly greater weight loss than the placebo group. Weight-reducing regimens in obese subjects: Effects of a new dietary fiber integrator. [10]

CHITOSAN'S EFFECTS ON BODY WEIGHT REDUCTION AND PLASMA CHOLESTEROL LEVEL
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 30 overweight (25% excess body weight) individuals. There were 3 study groups: A= 4 chitosan capsules/day + 1200 calorie diet; B=4 placebo capsules/day + 1200 calorie diet; C=4 chitosan capsules/day without dietary restriction. Chitosan administered at a dosage of 1 gm per meal (2 capsules). Study duration was 4 weeks. All subjects exhibited statistically significant (p<0.001) reduction in body weight, body mass index, body fat, and skinfold thickness. Group A had significantly greater weight loss than either B or C; an interesting finding is that althoug groups B&C had similar weight loss, group C had greater loss in skinfold thickness than group B, suggesting a greater loss of fat tissue than those subjects on dietary restriction alone. [11]

RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND TRIAL OF CHITOSAN FOR BODY WEIGHT REDUCTION
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 30 overweight individuals with BMI of 34.9 to 29.9kg/m 2. Subjects were randomized to receive 1 gm chitosan or placebo with each of two meals. Subjects were instructed to continue their usual and customary diet. After 28 days, there was no significant difference in weight loss or BMI in either group. This study demonstrates that, the efficiency of chitosan in a weight-reducing program is dependant upon adherence to a sound a dietary regimen. In the absence of a sound dietary program, chitosan administration at a concentration of 2 gm/day will not result in significant changes in either weight loss or BMI. [12]

LIPID-LOWERING EFFECT OF CHITOSAN DIETARY INTEGRATOR AND HYPOCALORIC DIET IN OBESE SUBJECTS
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 90 obese (10-25% overweight) individuals. They received 4 chitosan or placebo (2 ea @ lunch and dinner) for a 4-week period. . Chitosan was administered at a dosage of 1 gm per meal (2 capsules). Both groups followed a 1000 Calorie diet for the duration of the study. While both demonstrated significant weight loss and decreased BMI compared to study initiation, the chitosan group exhibited significantly greater reduction in both weight and BMI than the placebo group. [13]

EFFECT OF A NEW CHITOSAN ON HYPERLIPIDEMIA AND OVERWEIGHT IN OBESE PATIENTS
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 80 obese (10-25% overweight) individuals. They received 4 chitosan or placebo (2 ea @ lunch and dinner) for a 4-week period. . Chitosan was administered at a dosage of 1 gm per meal (2 capsules). Both groups demonstrated significant weight loss compared to study initiation; however, the chitosan group exhibited significantly greater weight loss than the placebo group.[14]

LIPID LOWERING ACTIVITY OF CHITOSAN, A NEW DIETARY INTEGRATOR
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 100 obese (10-25% overweight) individuals. In addition to following a 1000-1100 Calorie diet for the duration of the study, they received 4 chitosan or placebo (2 ea @ lunch and dinner) for a 4 week period. Chitosan was administered at a dosage of 1 gm per meal (2 capsules). Both
groups demonstrated significant weight loss compared to study initiation; As noted in the other studies, the chitosan group demonstrated significantly greater weight loss than the placebo group.[15]

REFERENCES
[1]-Drug Des Discov 1993;10(4):343-53.
[2]-Med J Aust 1999 Dec 6-20;171(11-12):604-8.
[3]-Lipids 18;10:714-19, 1983.
[4]-Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 59:786-90, 1995.
[5]-Am J Clin Nutr 38:278-84, 1983.
[6]-Nutr Rep Intl 18;5:531-7, 1978.
[7]-Biosci Biotech Biochem 589)1613-6, 1994.
[8]-Advances in Chitin Science Vol. 3, Eds: Chen RH, Chen HC. National
Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan, pp229-306, 1998.
[9]-Biosci Biotech Biochem 57;9:1439-44, 1993.
[10]-Acta Toxicol Therap 17:287-302, 1996.
[11]-Acta Toxicol Ther 17;4:303-320, 1996.
[12]-Eur J Clin Nutr 53:379-81, 1999.
[13]-Acta Toxicol Ther 16;4:215-229, 1995.
[14]-Chitin Enzymology 2;1:55-62, 1996.
[15]-Chitin Enzymol 2;1:55-62, 1996.

Here's an old article on chitosan (once called Fatban).

Beachbody� NUTRITION & WEIGHT LOSS
Fatban� Analyzed

Chitosan, the active ingredient in Fatban�, has been getting a lot of press in the fitness world lately. Here are a few cases that show its effectiveness. They might help you make a decision on how Fatban� could work for you.

In a nutshell:
Chitosan bonds with [literally ties up!] fatty acids. That's good if you are trying to lose fat weight, lessening dietary impact on body composition. It can be "bad" for absorption of fat-soluble vitamins or "good" essential fats, such as omega-3 and omega-6's. If you take Chitosan to reduce cholesterol or lose body fat, take it with only high fat meals in dosages never exceeding 3 grams. Chitosan should not be a permanent supplement application due to its restrictive influence on fatty acid absorption. Nevertheless, the application of Chitosan should be positive if it is taken in a periodical but limited protocol. It would appear that before an end of day high-fat meal is an opportune time to take chitosan, leaving the other meals for consuming essential fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins and birth control pills.

Human Study: Chitosan reduces cholesterol, urea, and creatinine [raises hemoglobin]
The effects of chitosan have been investigated on eighty patients with renal failure undergoing long-term stable hemodialysis treatment. The patients were tested after a control treatment period of 1 week. Half were fed 30 chitosan tablets (45 mg chitosan/tablet) three times a day (roughly the same dosage as 2 Fatban� tablets). Ingestion of chitosan effectively reduced total serum cholesterol levels (from 10.14 to 5.82 mM) and increased serum hemoglobin levels (from 58.2 to 68 g L-1). Significant reductions in urea and creatinine levels in serum were observed after 4 weeks of chitosan ingestion. The feeling of physical strength, the appetite and the sleep of patients in the treatment group had improved significantly after 12 weeks of ingestion, compared with those of patients in the control group. During the treatment period, no clinically problematic symptoms were observed. These data suggest that chitosan might be an effective treatment for renal failure patients, although the mechanism of the effect should be investigated further.
Reference: [1]-Effect of chitosan on renal function in patients with chronic renal failure, Jing SB, Li L, Ji D, Takiguchi Y, Yamaguchi T., J Pharm Pharmacol 1997 Jul;49(7):721-3.

Study: Chitosan reduces tumor growth rate in mice A conjugate of N4-(4-carboxybutyryl)-1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (glu-ara-C) with chitosan,[chi-glu-ara-C], was prepared and evaluated on its utility as a macromolecular prodrug. 1-beta-D-Arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C) was predominantly regenerated gradually from [chi-glu-ara-C] in 1/15 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, at 37 degrees C, and its amount after 7 d incubation was 56% (w/w). The anti-tumor effect was evaluated by an increase in the lifespan (ILS) OF THE MICE bearing P388 leukemia at the single administration at 24 h after inoculation. Ara-C exhibited an ILS of 3.4% at a dose of 100 mg/kg, and the survival time was not significantly different from that of the control. However, chitosan ->chi-glu-ara C showed an ILS of 60.7% at a dose of 88 mg eq ara-C/KG, and the survival time was significantly different from that of the control. Chitosan and chi-glu-ara-C were observed to cause the side effects judged from the body weight loss to a certain extent. However, chitosan [chi-glu-ara-C] was recognized to be useful because of its effectiveness.
Reference: Drug Des Discov 1993;10(4):343-53.

In another study, 12 men and women drank half a cup of cream [245 calories and 88% fat] with 1000 mg of chitosan. In eight of them, 14 percent of the cream's fat was bound to the chitosan, permitting only 50 calories of the 245 calories to be absorbed. Beneficial phytochemicals like carotenoids, and prescription estrogen and birth control pills are fat soluble, therefore chitosan can bind them out if taken at the same time.