Chitosan-based dietary foods

Chitosan exhibits anticholesterolemic, antiulcer and antiuricemic properties when orally administered, and is potentially suitable for the prevention of the coeliac disease. This set of properties stems from the capacity to bind specifically fatty acids, bile acids, phospholipids, uric acid and the toxic gliadin fraction. Chitosan does not depress the serum iron and hemoglobin, does not overstimulate the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase; it does not alter the human intestinal microbiota, but lowers the putrefaction metabolites. Its susceptibility to the hydrolytic action of lipases is discussed. For oral administration, chitosan should be supplied with a proper degree of polymerization and chemical form. Copyright (C) 1996 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd