One possible explanation for the variability in results
obtained in these trials of chitosan is that different
types and compositions of chitosan have been used in the
various studies. The composition of chitosan used has not
been well described in many of the trials, but in the current
study a b-chitosan derived from New Zealand squid pens was
used, which was 75.5% deacetylated and had a molecular
weight of 130 000. It is possible that different chemical
compositions of chitosan could have variable effects on
the binding of gastrointestinal lipids and thus weight loss.
Few trials of dietary supplements and natural remedies are
carried out according to pharmaceutical industry standards.