Metabolic Effect of an Innovative Chitosan Formulation

A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial on the Metabolic Effect of an Innovative Chitosan Formulation

Chitosan is a natural polysaccharide of β-1,4-linked glucosamine residues deriving from chitin, a dietary fiber primarily obtained from fungal cell walls and the exoskeletons of various crustaceans (e.g. crab, lobster, and shrimp) and whose cholesterol-lowering properties are due to the hydrophobic bonds it forms with cholesterol and other sterols, interfering with the emulsification process in the intestine.

In addition to reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, several studies showed that chitosan administration may help reduce body weight. For this reason, its use might be particularly useful as a strategy to simultaneously control two different risk factors for the development of CVDs.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects agree to participate in the study and having dated and signed the informed consent form;
• Subjects who have the capability to communicate, to make themselves understood, and to comply with the study's requirements;
• Male or female aged ≥ 18 years and ≤ 70 years old;
• Subjects free from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) (primary prevention for CVDs);
• Subjects with sub-optimal serum levels of cholesterol (total cholesterol (TC) of 200-240 mg/dl OR LDL-C of 130-190 mg/dl);
• Subjects with body mass index (BMI) 25 -34.9 Kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects already affected by CVDs (secondary prevention for CVDs);
• Subjects with serum levels of triglycerides (TG)> 400 mg/dl;
• Type 1 or type 2 diabetes;
• Lipid-lowering treatment not stabilized since at least 2 months;
• Known current gastrointestinal diseases and use of medications for their treatment;
• Known clinically relevant decline in renal function;
• Women in fertile age not using consolidated contraceptive methods
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding;
• History or clinical evidence of any significant concomitant disease that could compromise the safety of the subject or the possibility of completing the study;
• Any medical or surgical condition that would limit the patient adhesion to the study protocol