Healthy Cholesterol Level Management
Chitin Background and Benefits

Chitin is a chain of N-acetylglucosamine molecules with the chemical formula (C8H13O5N)n. It is mainly known as the main component of the exoskeleton of arthropods. Arthropods mainly include insects and crustaceans such as shrimp, crabs, lobsters and other shellfish. Chitin has a similar function to the protein keratin, which vertebrates use to make feathers, hair and nails.

Swiss scientist Dr. Albert Hofmann determined the chitin structure in year 1929. Chitin is structurally similar to cellulose, a polysaccharide consisting of linked glucose units called monomers. In chitin, one hydroxyl group (OH) in each monomer is replaced by an acetylamine group (COCH3NH). This change increases the hydrogen bonding between adjacent units, making chitin much stronger than cellulose.

 
Pure chitin is pliable, but it is still quite tough. However, chitin is usually combined with another material to make it stiffer. For example, insect exoskeletons are made of a composite of chitin and sclerotin, a matrix of proteins. The shells of crustaceans are usually made of chitin and calcium carbonate.
 
Chitin finds its applications in the food and pharmaceutical industry. It is commonly used as a thickener and stabilizer for foods and can also form edible films. Chitin also has many applications as a dietary supplement, mainly related to its role as a dietary fiber. Chitosan, a modified form of chitin with higher bioavailability, is commonly used for dietary supplements. Chitosan is commercially produced by soaking crustacean shells with sodium hydroxide, a highly alkaline substance to remove the acetyl groups (COCH3) in chitin.

Uses of Chitin

Chitin is used to support kidney function healthy, cholesterol levels and ideal body weight.

Signs You May Need Chitin

Physical weakness, poor appetite and insomnia. Intestinal disorders characterized by inflammation are common symptoms of kidney failure a condition in which chitin can benefit you. Chitin supplements helps improve skin grafts recovery and manage your weight.
Poor kidney function, high total cholesterol are main signs that you may benefit from chitin.