Dietary supplement criticised by scientists
study. Scientists at the University...
Dietary supplements that reduce fat are inefficient, claims a new study. Scientists at the University of California, Davis led by Judith Stern, a nutrition researcher, studied the impact on male patients of chitosan dietary supplements. These supplements are made from protein chitin, found in the shells of invertebrates such as shrimp and crabs and have achieved a certain success as a weight-loss product in the dietary supplement market. The UC Davis researchers studied seven healthy men who consumed more than 120 grams of fat daily. Researchers analysed the fat content of their faeces, comparing a four-day baseline period without the supplements to a four-day period during which chitosan supplements were consumed. "chitosan made zero difference," Stern said. Stern said several earlier studies showed similar results, but described hers as the "most definitive," because "we absolutely controlled what they ate,"reports HealthScout.com. Stern reported the findings of the study to the Department of Agriculture consumer and nutrition officials. Weight-loss chitosan dietary supplements are not regulated in the US. Supplement makers are, however, banned from making false claims about health benefits.The full report is due to be published in a May edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
