EFFECT OF THE VISCOSITY OR DEACETYLATION DEGREE OF CHITOSAN ON FECAL FAT EXCRETED FROM RATS FED ON A HIGH-FAT DIET

Several chitosan preparations, either with a comparable degree of deacetylation but differing viscosity or with comparable viscosity but a differing degree of deacetylation, were examined for their effect on the fecal fat excreted from rats fed on a high-fat diet, As the viscosity or deacetylation degree of a chitosan preparation increased, the more its effect on the apparent fat digestibility by rats became conspicuous, A supplement of ascorbic acid to each chitosan diets resulted in a significant depression of fat digestion and absorption in the lumen. The chitosan intake caused a higher level of fat to be excreted in the feces of the corn oil-receiving rats than the lard-receiving ones, although the effect was strong with both diet groups.