ID 4664 - Chitozan

PL: Chitozan
EN: Chitosan
Pdf: chitosan

1. Charakterystyka żywności / składnika

The food constituent that is the subject of the health claim is chitosan.
Chitosan is a linear cationic polysaccharide composed of randomly distributed -(1-4)-linked D-glucosamine and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine produced commercially by the deacetylation of chitin, which is a component of the exoskeleton of crustaceans and the cell walls of fungi. The degree of deacetylation can be measured by established methods, and ranges from 60-100 % in commercial preparations. The molecular weight of chitosan in commercial preparations ranges from 3,800 to 20,000 Da. Chitosan is insoluble in water.
The Panel considers that the food constituent, chitosan, which is the subject of the health claims, is sufficiently characterised.

2.3. Skrócenie czasu pasażu jelitowego (ID 4664)

The claimed effect is “stimulates the intestinal transit by volume effect”. The Panel assumes that the target population is the general population.
In the context of the proposed wordings, the Panel assumes that the claimed effect refers to a reduction of intestinal transit time.
The Panel considers that reduction of intestinal transit time may be a beneficial physiological effect, provided that it does not result in diarrhoea.

3.3. Skrócenie czasu pasażu jelitowego (ID 4664)

Only one reference was provided in relation to the claim.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, Kaats et al. (2006) evaluated the safety and efficacy of chitosan on body composition in a group of 134 overweight/obese adults. The Panel notes that the study did not address outcome measures related to the claimed effect, and considers that no conclusions can be drawn from this study for the scientific substantiation of the claim.
The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of chitosan and reduction of intestinal transit time.

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