Managing oxidative stress with chitin-glucan

The effects of chitin-glucan on early atherosclerosis and cardiac production of superoxide anion and hepatic antioxidant enzymes were evaluated in a hamster model of nutritionally induced atherosclerosis, a model similar in many respects to human atheroma, with all signs of high oxidative stress. The study showed that regular consumption of chitin-glucan is efficient in preventing the development of atherosclerosis, with a 97% decrease in the atheromatous plaque, thanks to a significant improvement of the antioxidant status. A pilot study on slightly overweight and hypocholesterolemic human volunteers was performed to assess the metabolic effects of a chitin-glucan enriched alimentation. Decreases in blood triglycerides levels and in plasmatic oxidised-LDL were observed, both parameters constituting major risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis.

Deschamps, A, Nollevaux, G, Gautier, S, Keller, F: Managing Oxidative Stress with a Vegetal Ingredient, Chitin-glucan. Agrofood 20:12-14, 2009.