Researchers tested whether a supplement called chitosan oligosaccharide could help improve cholesterol levels and body shape in overweight and obese Thai women. Sixty women took either a daily supplement (in two different amounts) or a placebo for two months. While the lower-dose supplement group showed a small improvement in “good” cholesterol, the overall results didn’t show that the supplement significantly improved cholesterol levels or weight compared to placebo. This suggests that chitosan supplements may not be a reliable solution for managing cholesterol in overweight women.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a natural supplement called chitosan oligosaccharide could improve cholesterol levels and body measurements in overweight or obese women
  • Who participated: 60 overweight or obese Thai women were divided into three equal groups of 20. One group took 1.5 grams of the supplement daily, another took 3 grams daily, and the third group took a placebo (fake pill) for 60 days
  • Key finding: The group taking the lower dose (1.5g) showed a small increase in HDL (good cholesterol), but overall, the supplement didn’t produce meaningful improvements in cholesterol levels or body composition compared to placebo
  • What it means for you: If you’re considering chitosan supplements for cholesterol management, this research suggests they may not be effective enough to rely on as a primary treatment. Talk to your doctor about proven approaches like diet changes and exercise instead

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is considered one of the strongest types of research studies. Researchers randomly assigned 60 women into three groups to ensure fairness. One group received 1.5 grams of chitosan oligosaccharide daily, another received 3 grams daily, and the third received a placebo (a pill with no active ingredient). Neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was getting the real supplement or placebo—this is called “double-blind” and helps prevent bias.

The study lasted 60 days, with measurements taken at the beginning and end. Researchers measured cholesterol levels, body composition (how much fat versus muscle), and waist-to-hip ratio. They also tracked what the women ate throughout the study to account for diet changes.

This design is strong because it controls for many factors that could affect results, like placebo effect or natural changes over time.

Using a randomized controlled trial design is important because it helps prove whether a supplement actually works or if improvements are just due to coincidence or placebo effect. By comparing the supplement groups directly to a placebo group, researchers can see if any benefits come from the supplement itself rather than from other factors like improved diet or exercise habits

This study has several strengths: it used a proper control group (placebo), was double-blind to prevent bias, and tracked diet throughout. However, the sample size of 60 women is relatively small, which means results may not apply to all populations. The study only lasted 60 days, so we don’t know if longer-term use might show different results. The study was conducted only in Thai women, so results may differ in other populations

What the Results Show

The main finding was disappointing for chitosan supplement supporters: there were no statistically significant differences in cholesterol levels between the groups taking the supplement and the group taking placebo. This means the supplement didn’t reliably improve overall cholesterol profiles.

However, there was one small positive finding: women taking the lower dose (1.5 grams) showed a statistically significant increase in HDL cholesterol (the “good” kind that protects your heart). This increase was real and measurable, but it occurred in only one group and wasn’t large enough to be considered clinically meaningful—meaning it probably wouldn’t make a noticeable difference in a person’s health.

For body measurements, the group taking the higher dose (3 grams) showed some reduction in waist-to-hip ratio when looking at changes within that group alone. However, this wasn’t significantly better than what happened in the placebo group, so the supplement didn’t provide an advantage for body shape either.

The researchers noted that dietary intake was monitored throughout the study, suggesting that diet remained relatively consistent across all groups. This is important because it means any differences (or lack thereof) weren’t due to some groups eating healthier than others. The fact that the higher dose didn’t work better than the lower dose suggests that simply taking more of the supplement doesn’t improve results

Previous research on chitosan has shown mixed results. Some earlier studies suggested it might help with weight loss and cholesterol, but many of those studies had design flaws or small sample sizes. This well-designed trial adds to growing evidence that chitosan supplements may not be as effective as initially hoped. The results align with recent systematic reviews suggesting that chitosan’s benefits are modest at best

This study has several important limitations to consider. First, 60 participants is a relatively small sample size, which means results might not apply to larger populations. Second, the study only lasted 60 days—we don’t know if longer use might show different results or if benefits might appear over time. Third, all participants were Thai women, so results may not apply to men or other ethnic groups. Fourth, the study didn’t measure whether participants actually stuck with taking the supplement consistently. Finally, the study didn’t control for exercise levels, which significantly affect cholesterol

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, chitosan oligosaccharide supplements are NOT recommended as a primary treatment for high cholesterol or weight management. If you have high cholesterol or are overweight, focus on proven approaches: eat a heart-healthy diet rich in vegetables and whole grains, exercise regularly, and talk to your doctor about medication if needed. If you’re interested in supplements, discuss them with your healthcare provider first

This research is most relevant to overweight or obese adults considering chitosan supplements for cholesterol management. It’s particularly important for people looking for an easy supplement solution instead of lifestyle changes. However, the findings suggest that lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise) remain the most reliable approach. People with existing heart disease or very high cholesterol should definitely consult their doctor rather than relying on supplements

If you were to try chitosan supplements, you might expect to see any potential benefits within 2-3 months based on this study’s timeline. However, given the weak results, you shouldn’t expect dramatic improvements. More importantly, proven approaches like diet and exercise changes typically show benefits within 4-8 weeks for cholesterol and 8-12 weeks for weight loss

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your cholesterol levels (total, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) every 3 months through blood tests, rather than relying on supplements. Record the dates and values in your app to monitor trends over time
  • Instead of adding a supplement, use the app to track proven cholesterol-lowering behaviors: daily vegetable servings (aim for 5+), whole grain portions, exercise minutes (aim for 150 per week), and water intake. These changes have strong scientific evidence
  • Set up monthly check-ins to review your cholesterol-related habits. Track dietary choices, exercise frequency, and weight measurements. If cholesterol doesn’t improve after 3 months of consistent healthy habits, schedule a doctor’s visit to discuss medication options rather than trying different supplements

This research summary is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. The study suggests chitosan supplements may not effectively improve cholesterol levels. If you have high cholesterol, are overweight, or are considering any supplements, consult with your doctor or registered dietitian before making changes. This is especially important if you’re taking medications or have existing health conditions. Individual results vary, and what works for one person may not work for another.