Chitosan Ingredient Facilitates Weight Loss

Chitosan Ingredient Facilitates Weight Loss

REDMOND, Wash.--According to a study published in the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association (4(1):42-9, 2001), LipoSan Ultra^™, a rapidly soluble chitosan supplement, is effective in facilitating weight loss and reducing body fat in overweight and mildly obese individuals. Researchers, led by Rebecca Schiller, M.S.,C.N., studied 59 overweight, mildly obese, otherwise healthy women who had a history of daily dietary fat consumption greater than or equal to 30 percent of total calories.

During the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, subjects received either three capsules of rapidly soluble chitosan or placebo twice daily for eight weeks. Subjects took two doses of 1.5 g each just prior to the two largest meals of the day. No food restrictions or modifications were assigned, and subjects were instructed to continue their regular caloric intake.

Subjects in the treatment group experienced decreased mean body weight and body mass index (BMI) as compared to baseline, while subjects in the placebo group increased mean weight, body mass index and percent body fat, as well as decreased lean body mass. Researchers concluded that LipoSan Ultra is effective for facilitating weight loss and reducing body fat in overweight and mildly obese individuals.

LipoSan Ultra is manufactured by Redmond, Wash.-based Vanson Inc. (www.vanson.com).