Commercial chitosan is made from parts of the skeletons of shellfish. Many medically unsubstantiated claims have been made about its ability to bind to fat and flush it from your system before it can be absorbed. Since breastfeeding mothers are often looking for quick weight loss, they may turn to chitosan as a solution. However, according to Dr. Stephen Barrett of QuackWatch.com and other experts, chitosan is suspect. In addition, there have been no studies on the dangers of chitosan and breastfeeding.
Chitosan and Weight Loss
A 1999 University of Exeter trial studied 34 overweight subjects for one month. Half of the study participants were given chitosan; the rest of them were given a placebo. All participants ate their regular diet. The study found no significant differences between the two groups. Therefore, it's not worth the unknown risk to an infant when chitosan passes to breast milk.
Government Action
In 1999, the FDA issued a warning to a company called TRY-Lean, Inc. It asked them to stop making claims that its chitosan-containing product could "reduce the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, heart attack and cancer." The claims were based on no facts or studies.
Not Enough Study
Since breastfeeding mothers are often looking for rapid weight loss after pregnancy, chitosan might be used as a way to shed pounds. However, without proper study or data on its safety for infants, chitosan should be avoided while nursing your baby.
General Health While Breastfeeding
Instead of a quick-fix weight loss plan, it's always best to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains while nursing.
Chitosan and Cholesterol
Chitosan has also been touted as a cholesterol-lowering agent by such companies as Enforma Natural Products; the 1999 Exeter study also found no effect on cholesterol when chitosan was taken for one month.
No comments:
Post a Comment