Thompson High Potency Fat Blocker contains both Chitosan and Vitamin C.

Chitosan is a naturally occurring fat inhibitor. It has the potential to revolutionise the process of losing weight and by so doing, reduce the incidence of some of the most devastating diseases we face today. Chitosan attracts fat and converts it to a form the human body does not absorb. Consequently, by binding to fat, Chitosan renders it completely indigestible, thereby negating it's caloric value. Chitosan-bound fat leaves the intestinal tract having never entered the bloodstream in the first place. Chitosan is remarkable in that it has the ability to absorb 6 to 8 times its weight in fat and oils.

What is Chitosan?
Chitosan is a natural product derived from chitin, a polysaccharide found in the exoskeleton of shellfish like shrimp or crabs. While it has been in existence for millennia, its current form has just recently been prepared. Technically speaking Chitosan is a naturally occurring substance that is chemically similar to cellulose, which is a plant fibre. Like plant fibres, Chitosan possesses many of the same properties as fibre, however unlike plant fibre, it has the ability to significantly bind fat, acting like a "fat sponge" in the digestive tract.

The process of synthesising Chitosan involves taking the shells of shrimp or crabs, grinding them to a fine powder and then deacetylating this powder. This refers to taking off specific chemical groups so that the remaining compound is more active in its ability to soak up fats.

Like some plant fibres, Chitosan is not digestible; therefore it has no caloric value. No matter how much Chitosan you ingest, its calorie count remains at zero. This is a very important property for any weight loss product.

Under optimal conditions, Chitosan can bind 6 to 8 times its weight with all the lipid aggregates tested. Studies in Helsinki have shown that those individuals taking Chitosan lost an average of 8 percent of their body weight in a week. Chitosan increased its oil-holding capacity over other fibres.

How does Chitosan assist weight loss?
Chitosan is an indigestible fibre which passes through the digestive system without being absorbed and without contributing any calories. However a zero calorie count is just the beginning of this amazing story. Not only is Chitosan a fibre which contributes no calories, but it actually binds to dietary fats and prevents them from being absorbed also. This is the function which has gained so much interest amongst those trying to lose weight.

When you eat food that contains fat, the body finds it easier to store those fats then to use them for body fuel. Fats or lipids are also absorbed into the bloodstream and carry cholesterol around the body where it can collect in arteries, veins and around organs, and that's when arterial blockages, heart disease, fatty liver and other serious health problems can occur.

The fat bound to Chitosan cannot make its way into the bloodstream or be stored as a fuel source because it forms a 'fat ball' to big to fit through the lining between the digestive tract and the bloodstream. One half to two thirds of the fat content can be absorbed by Chitosan; the fat and Chitosan is then eliminated via the bowel.

Chitosan and a healthy heart.
Chitosan, like most fibres, has many uses in the body, including an antacid action, an ability to help control blood pressure and reduce uric acid. But apart from its work as a fat binder, Chitosan is most effective in reducing blood cholesterol levels. By preventing cholesterol from reaching the bloodstream, Chitosan is able to reduce the body's accumulation of Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL's) which are a harmful form of cholesterol. The body's natural protection of High Density Lipoproteins (HDL's) or 'good cholesterol' is not affected by Chitosan's fat blocking action. Reducing levels LDL's and increasing HDL's can have a beneficial effect on the health of the heart and arteries.

What else should you know about Chitosan?
Taking Chitosan before a meal will reduce the amount of fat being absorbed by the body, but it will also trap the beneficial fat-soluble vitamins such as A and E, as well as other fat based supplements or medicines. The fat soluble vitamins in food and any dietary supplements will be absorbed by the Chitosan, so it is best to use supplements separately from Chitosan. If lunch or dinner is your fattiest meal of the day, use Chitosan then and take soluble vitamins in the morning with breakfast.

Chitosan is still a relatively new product. However, there has been extensive testing for toxicology and other side effects, and the product has been deemed safe for most people, excluding pregnant women and those with allergies to shellfish.

The key to using Chitosan is to stay smart about the product and remember there are no miracle cures for weight loss. Some fat in your diet is important, and that's why you should balance short-term use of Chitosan with sound dietary habits and regular exercise.

The right kind of Chitosan
Choosing a particular brand and form of Chitosan also a matter of playing it smart. Ensure the product is made by a well-known company with an established reputation of quality health care products and not weight loss gimmickry. It should also be mentioned that Chitosan has a synergetic relationship with vitamin C, and it works best when combined with other fibres like psyllium seed which absorbs water and helps to create the bulk needed to carry Chitosan through the intestines.

Dosage
One tablet should be taken 3 times daily with a glass full of water, up to an hour before meals. For best results, all weight loss programs should be used in association with a sensible exercise program.