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Chitosan does not reduce post-prandial urinary oxalate excretion.
Joshua Wolf1, John R Asplin, David S Goldfarb
1Nephrology Section, University of California at San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, and Nephrology Section, New York Harbor VAMC, Department of Urology, St. Vincents Hospital, New York, NY 10010, USA.
Urological Research
|March 1, 2006
Summary
Chitosan, a biopolymer from shellfish, was tested for its effect on intestinal oxalate absorption. This study found that chitosan does not reduce oxalate absorption or affect urinary oxalate excretion after a spinach meal.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Gastroenterology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Chitosan is a biopolymer derived from shellfish with a positive charge.
- It is hypothesized that chitosan may bind to negatively charged oxalate in the intestine.
- This interaction could potentially reduce oxalate absorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of oral chitosan on intestinal oxalate absorption.
- To determine if chitosan influences post-prandial urinary oxalate excretion.
Main Methods:
- A controlled study involving oral oxalate loading with spinach.
- Measurement of urinary oxalate excretion in 24-hour urine samples.
- Comparison of oxalate excretion with and without the co-administration of 2g chitosan.
Main Results:
- A spinach load significantly increased post-prandial urinary oxalate excretion (25.7+/-12.8 mg/g creatinine).
- Co-administration of chitosan with the oxalate load did not decrease urinary oxalate excretion (31.3+/-16.9 mg/g creatinine, P=0.57).
- Chitosan was well-tolerated by the subjects.
Conclusions:
- Chitosan does not appear to reduce acute intestinal oxalate absorption.
- Oral chitosan does not affect post-prandial urinary oxalate excretion following an oxalate load.