What is it used for?
Helps lower blood total (and LDL (low density lipoprotein)) cholesterol [Source note 2].
Helps lower bad cholesterol [Source note 3].
Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels [Source note 4].
Could be a complement to a healthy lifestyle that incorporates a calorie-reduced diet and regular physical activity for individuals involved in a weight management program [Source note 5].
Notes:
The above uses can be combined on the product label (e.g., Helps lower blood total and LDL cholesterol and maintain healthy cholesterol levels).
The terms 'Helps' or 'Helps to' can be used interchangeably on the label.
Restrictions when this reference is combined with other references (source review category II and III):
If a weight management claim is made:
What this guide covers
The solidus (/) indicates that the terms and/or statements are synonymous. Either term or statement may be selected by the applicant on the label.
Who does this guide cover?
Adults 18 years and older
How is it taken?
Oral
Which forms are covered?
this reference excludes foods or food-like dosage forms as indicated in the Compendium of references Guidance Document.
Quantities
0.5 - 3 grams of chitosan, 2 times per day [Source note 6].
How is it used?
Take with meals [Source note 7].
Take a few hours before or after taking other medications or health products since the absorption of these products may be affected [Source note 8].
How long is it used?
The reference does not require an additional label statement in this section. This does not establish an absence of risk.
Warnings and precautions
All products
Ask a healthcare professional before use if you are taking blood thinners [Source note 9].
All products (except for weight management)
Ask a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Weight management
Ask a healthcare professional before use if you are breastfeeding.
When should it be avoided?
All products
Do not use if you have an allergy to seafood.
Weight management
Do not use if you are pregnant [Source note 10].
Possible side effects
When using this product you may experience gastrointestinal discomfort/disturbances [Source note 11].
Storage
Must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the applicable product regulations.
Preparation details
Ingredient identity, preparation requirements, and other details that define the scope of this guide.
Ingredients and preparations
| Proper name(s) | Common name(s) | Source information / Source material(s) | Source information / Part(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poly-beta-(1,4)-2-amino-2-deoxy-d-glucose |
|
| Exoskeleton |
| Poly-beta-(1,4)-2-amino-2-deoxy-d-glucose |
|
| Shell |
References: Proper name: Sweetman 2011; Common names: Sweetman 2011; Source information: Sweetman 2011; Dutta et al. 2004.
Other ingredients
Must be chosen from the current source ingredient database and must meet the limitations outlined in the database.
Preparation and quality requirements
The finished product specifications must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the source authority source’s product quality guidance.
The active ingredient must comply with the requirements outlined in the source ingredient database.
The degree of deacetylation for chitosan should be above 75%.
Guide change history
Updates to this SupplementSafety.org guide.
Minor updates
Updated guide wording, organization, and source presentation. Added our editorial change history.
Initial release
Initial SupplementSafety.org guide prepared from source reference material.
Validation: Not yet completed. Editorial updates do not constitute clinical validation.
Sources
Source information
This guide organizes source material about uses, preparations, amounts, and precautions. Read the conditions alongside each statement; the information may apply only to particular preparations or populations.
The source document includes supporting references. We have not independently summarized or assessed every cited study for this guide.
- Source document version
- November 29, 2024
- Source captured
- Aug 15, 2026
- Editorial work
- Editorial preparation. Independent clinical review has not been recorded for this guide.
Full citations are available through the link above. Verification is required to open them; reading this guide does not require verification.
Taking a medication too?
Explore our supplement–medication interaction checker. Its coverage and review status are shown with the results; a missing finding does not establish that a combination is safe.