NOW Foods Chitosan Plus Chromium

Chitosan· evidence: Limited

Chitosan is a fibre made from the shells of crustaceans such as shrimp and crab. It is sold on the idea that it binds dietary fat in the gut. A Cochrane review found a small effect on weight in the trials, but the better-quality trials showed little or no effect, and the amount of fat bound appears too small to matter.

There is an authorised GB claim for chitosan and blood cholesterol, but only when a product provides 3 g of chitosan a day. We make no weight-loss claims for chitosan.

Typical dose: Weight-loss products usually give 1–3 g a day before meals

Safety: Made from shellfish: not suitable if you have a shellfish allergy, or for vegans and vegetarians. Can cause wind, bloating and constipation. It may reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and some medicines, so take them at least 4 hours apart. Speak to your GP if you take warfarin or other medication. Not for pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Research we looked at:
Jull AB et al. (2008). Chitosan for overweight or obesity. Cochrane Database Syst Rev (3):CD003892.
EFSA NDA Panel (2011). Scientific opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to chitosan and maintenance of normal blood LDL-cholesterol concentrations. EFSA Journal 9(6):2214.

Chromium· evidence: Limited

Chromium is a trace mineral needed in tiny amounts. Most people get enough from foods such as meat, wholegrains, broccoli and nuts, and true deficiency is rare.

Chromium supplements, especially chromium picolinate, are often sold for appetite, cravings or weight loss. Reviews of the trials have found the effect on body weight to be very small and of doubtful practical value. There is no good evidence that extra chromium helps people who are not short of it.

We make no claims about weight loss or blood sugar conditions. If you have diabetes or take medicine for blood sugar, speak to your GP before taking chromium.

Typical dose: The NRV is 40 µg a day; supplements usually give 50–200 µg

Safety: The NHS says 10 mg or less a day of chromium from supplements is unlikely to cause harm; most products give far less. Speak to your GP first if you have diabetes or take blood sugar medication, or if you have kidney or liver disease.

Research we looked at:
NHS. Vitamins and minerals: others (chromium) (nhs.uk).
Onakpoya I et al. (2013). Chromium supplementation in overweight and obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Obes Rev 14(6):496–507.
EFSA NDA Panel (2014). Scientific opinion on dietary reference values for chromium. EFSA Journal 12(10):3845.

Cost per daily dose lets you compare packs of different sizes fairly.Worked out from our current prices.