Non-Animal Chitosan May Help with Weight Loss

A soon-to-be-published clinical study sheds some more positive light on the potential weight loss benefits of chitosan.

The study explored the effects of KiOnutrime-CsG, a non-animal chitosan ingredient developed by KitoZyme (Belgium), on 86 healthy overweight people aged 18-65. On average, subjects in the treatment group lost an average of 3.2 kg (7.1 lbs) over the course of a 90-day KiOnutrime-CsG regiment, according to a press release.

Chitosan is biopolymer that is traditionally extracted from crustacean shells, but KitoZyme’s non-animal chitosan is instead derived from the cell walls of the fungus Aspergillus niger. The company says it is odorless, tasteless, and dissolves in just 10 minutes in the stomach-making it suitable for use almost immediately before a meal.

Study Design

The multi-center, single-blind study included overweight subjects with a body mass index between 26 and 35 at the start of the trial, but who were otherwise healthy. Subjects were given either five 500-mg capsules of KiOnutrime-CsG or a placebo to take daily for 90 days. They maintained regular diet and exercise patterns and kept a diary to record their experiences. 86 people completed the study, out of 96 enrolled.

Over the 90-day period, the chitosan group did experience a statistically significant “gradual reduction” in body weight that averaged 3.2 kg, compared to no significant change in the placebo group. The treatment group also experienced a significant reduction in average body fat, as well as upper abdominal, hip, and waist circumference, according to a press release.

“The results of this study, which will be published shortly in a peer-reviewed journal, demonstrate the clear benefits of KiOnutrime-CsG and the significant potential it offers in weight management applications globally,” says Francois Luthers, sales and marketing director, KitoZyme.

KiOnutrime-CsG has GRAS status in the United States.

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Michael Crane
Associate Editor
Nutritional Outlook Magazine
michael.crane@ubm.com

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