Chitosan is taken from chitin, a polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans. It is processed by removing the shells from shellfish such as shrimp, lobster, and crabs. The shells are then ground into a pulverous powder. This powder is then deacetylated, or basically stripped of specific chemical groups which allows the compound to thus actively "soak up fats."

How Chitosan works on Weight Loss.
Basically stated, chitosan is a special fiber which is able to "soak up" or absorb anywhere from six to ten times its weight in fat and oils.  In substance, it is chemically similar to the plant fiber, cellulose. However, chitosan is able to significantly bind with fat molecules and convert them into a form which the human body does not absorb.  It prevents the absorption and storage of fat by converting into a gel which "traps" the fat.  In some sort, it creates a "grease ball" from this excess fat, which is too large to be absorbed by the body.  It thus becomes an inert substance and is excreted in the stool.  Chitosan fiber is unlike other fibers in that it carries a positive ionic charge.  Since lipids, fats, and bile acids all possess negative charges, there is a chemical bond between the two and thus they attract naturally to one another.This unique ability is what makes chitosan so remarkable.

Chitosan the Super Fiber
Besides from the obvious effect that fat is not absorbed into the body with the presence of chitosan, it goes a lot deeper in benefiting weight loss.  Chitosan is a 100% natural and acts as a super fiber. Thus, supplementing the diet with chitosan, is part of creating a cleansing process which is said to be extremely vital to weight loss.  Another advantage of chitosan comes from the idea that the chitosan-bound fat leaves the intestinal tract without ever entering the bloodstream.  By supplementing chitosan into one's diet, there is less fat that the body accumulates.  With less fat entering the body, the body turns to previously stored body fat to burn up.  This shifts the energy source from your diet to your stored body fat and results in a net reduction in that fat - and in your weight.

Chitosan and Cholesterol
There are many other benefits which chitosan claims to have other than weight loss.  It also inhibits LDL cholesterol and boosts HDL cholesterol.  It promotes the healing of ulcers and lesions, helps to control blood pressure, reduces blood levels of uric acid, helps prevent constipation, acts as an antacid, helps prevent irritable bowel syndrome, enhances calcium to strengthen bones, inhibits plaque/tooth decay, and offers anti-tumor action. All of these benefits are obviously significant within themselves.

Chitosan Supplement Facts (90ct)