Chitosan is a 100% natural fibre derived from crustaceans (prawns and crabs). It is obtained through deacetylation of chitin, polymer of N-acetylglucosamine, obtaining a polymer of glucosamine, of positive charge. It is considered a fibre, and it is not digestible it is not absorbed or metabolised by the organism, therefore it has not energetic value. This is one of the properties which make chitosan a product indicated in weight reduction. It also contributes satiation feeling and diminishing appetite.
One of the main differences between chitosan and vegetal fibres is that chitosan is positive charged, which gives it the capacity of linking substrates negative charged such as toxic substances, heavy metals, fats and oils. |
