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Chitosan decreases total cholesterol in women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 57, pages 721–725 (2003)Cite this article

Abstract

Background: Hypercholesterolemia is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Orally administered chitosan binds lipids in the small intestine and reduces their absorption. Chitosan has been shown to decrease serum cholesterol in animal and human studies. This study investigated the effectiveness of chitosan in reducing serum cholesterol without concomitant diet therapy.

Methods: Ninety female volunteers (age 34–70 y) with confirmed mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia were enrolled into the study. They were randomly assigned to receive chitosan (1.2 g per day) or placebo in a double-blind manner. Serum lipids, body weight and adverse events were assessed at baseline and after 28 and 56 days of treatment. Subjects maintained their usual diet and documented the type and gross amount of food consumed.

Results: Eighty-four subjects (41 chitosan, 43 placebo) were included in the analysis. Chitosan significantly (F=3.19, P=0.04) reduced total cholesterol compared to placebo. In a subgroup of subjects with over 60 y of age, chitosan group significantly reduced total and LDL cholesterol (F=4.21, P=0.02, and F=3.46, P=0.04, respectively) compared with placebo. Adverse effects were few; no serious events were reported.

Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that chitosan is safe and effective for lowering cholesterol. However, the effect of chitosan for decreasing cholesterol is mild.

Sponsorship: Shimane Institute of Health Science, Izumo, Japan.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Kazuo Matsumoto, Access Laboratory for statistical data analysis, Sadaki Kikkawa, More Fresh Co. Ltd, and Chizuko Yamane for assistance with setting up the trial. This work was supported by Medical Research Grants from the Shimane Institute of Health Science.

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  1. Department of Internal Medicine III, Shimane Medical University, Shimane, Japan

    H Bokura & S Kobayashi

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  1. H Bokura
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  2. S Kobayashi
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Correspondence to H Bokura.

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Bokura, H., Kobayashi, S. Chitosan decreases total cholesterol in women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Eur J Clin Nutr 57, 721–725 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601603

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