The Science Behind GNC Total Lean Chitosan with Glucomannan

Chitosan, a derivative of Chitin, is the second most abundant kind of fiber in the world after cellulose.  To give you some examples, for cellulose just think plants – there are a whole lot of them in the world.  A lot of fiber supplements often contain different forms of cellulose, which isn’t digestible by humans but allows the digestive tract to move food effectively through.  As for Chitin/Chitosan, think bugs.  That’s right, bugs, and also all of the little creepy crawly creatures in the sea like shrimp, crabs, and krill.  Their exoskeletons are made of almost pure chitin and the the shells of shrimp are typically the biggest source for chitosan out there.

So what benefits can a product like GNC Total Lean Chitosan with Glucomannan offer other than giving you a nice dose of shrimp shells?  Currently, chitosan is being researched for its ability to bind with dietary fat and also to increase the viscosity (thickness) of the fluid and material in your gastrointestinal tract in order to slow down the speed at which food empties into your intestines from your stomach.  Preliminary studies suggest that chitosan may help reduce the amount of fat that is absorbed from your diet and may promote feelings of satiety.  At the same time, other studies suggest it as a way of promoting appetite.  While these results make Total Lean Chitosan with Glucomannan seem a little less promising, it does have other ingredients. The full blend here includes:

Chitosan -1000.00 mg

Proprietary Blend – 400.00 mg

• Psyllium Husks Powder
• Glucomannan Powder
• Inulin
• Fructooligosaccharides

Going back to the possible effects of chitosan, glucomannan is also known for absorbing fluids in the digestive tract and swelling to create a satiety response.  While glucomannan has been shown more consistently to be effective for fighting hunger and promoting weight loss, the recommended dose is at least a gram or two, far more than is included here.  The same goes for psyllium.  Inulin is a chemical that may help relieve constipation and further improve digestive flow, but with the other fiber here it isn’t clear that you’d really need it.  Lastly, fructooligosaccharides are simply derivatives of inulin.

GNC Total Lean Chitosan with Glucomannan Side Effects

Though no serious side effects are typically associated with the ingredients in GNC Total Lean Chitosan with Glucomannan, some have experienced excess gas and bloating.

GNC Total Lean Chitosan with Glucomannan Policies

All GNC products come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, though you will usually only get in-store credit on returns for opened products.

GNC Total Lean Chitosan with Glucomannan Lowest Price

Total Lean Chitosan with Glucomannan sells for $20 plus shipping and gives you one month’s worth of dosing.  As there aren’t any studies to confirm how much weight (if any) is lost with long-term use, it is impossible to give you a per-pound cost analysis, but with plain fiber the results are unlikely to be striking.

Does GNC Total Lean Chitosan with Glucomannan Work?

Like we were saying, there just isn’t a lot of evidence to support GNC Total Lean Chitosan with Glucomannan as an effective diet pill.  If you’re eating right and exercising, then extra fiber may very well help and there are studies that suggest chitosan and glucomannan may help reduce appetite and food absorption, but the right dosage just isn’t here. It’s a pretty package and has all-natural ingredients, but this is not a formula built for significant weight loss.