Chitosan's primary mechanism of action is well established. It is known to differ from other olysaccharides in that it has a strong positive charge that lets it chemically bond with certain compounds, especially fats and cholesterol. Chitosan has the unique ability to dissolve and grab ahold of fats and cholesterol in the stomach. Because chitosan is mostly indigestible, it can then prevent these lipids from being absorbed in the digestive tract. Other mechanisms of action in the body are still being investigated.

Chitosan are fibers derived from marine animals. Scientists have intensively investigated the properties and uses of mechanism of action and their derivatives-collectively they are the subjects of approximately 1,000 scientific studies and hundreds of patents.

Chitosan is nontoxic and free of side effects.

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• Xue, C., et al., "Antioxidative activities of several marine polysaccharides evaluated in a phosphatidylcholine-liposomal suspension and organic solvents," Biosci Biotechnol Biochem (1998), 62(2):206-09

• Drenda, P., et al., "[Evaluation of the usefulness of dressings made from chitosan and lyophilized human placenta on wound healing]," Wiad Lek (1997), 50 Su 1 Pt 2:252-5

• Watson RR, et al: Effect of betacarotene on lymphocyte subpopulations in elderly humans: evidence of a dose-response effect. Am. J. Clin. Ntr., 53:90-94, 1991.