Chitin, a potential allergy-promoting pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP), is a linear polymer composed of N-acetylglucosamine residues which are linked by β-(1,4)-glycosidic bonds. Mammalians are potential hosts for chitin-containing protozoa, fungi, arthropods, and nematodes; however, mammalians themselves do not synthetize chitin and thus it is considered as a potential target for recognition by mammalian immune system. Chitin is sensed primarily in the lungs or gut where it activates a variety of innate (eosinophils, macrophages) and adaptive immune cells (IL-4/IL-13 expressing T helper type-2 lymphocytes). Chitin induces cytokine production, leukocyte recruitment, and alternative macrophage activation.
Interestingly, chitosan owing to its fat binding property actively interferes with the absorption of dietary lipids from the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, it has been reported to increase serum leptin concentrations while decreasing C-reactive protein (CRP), sensitive marker of inflammation.
Shrimps main allergen is tropomyosin. Of course shrimps have chitin too, but usually humans don't eat shrimps chitin shell. :)
You are right that chitin do not allow fats to be absorbed in stomach, but obesity is rarely connected with fat consumption. Obesity fats created by body, speaking oversimplified from glucose that was not used for providing energy to the brain and other body parts.
So, chitin could lower risk of different liver issues connected with fat consumption, but hardly could do anything about obesity.
Chitin = bug exoskeleton
Chitin and Its Effects on Inflammatory and Immune Responses
potential anti-obesity effect
Shrimps main allergen is tropomyosin. Of course shrimps have chitin too, but usually humans don't eat shrimps chitin shell. :)
You are right that chitin do not allow fats to be absorbed in stomach, but obesity is rarely connected with fat consumption. Obesity fats created by body, speaking oversimplified from glucose that was not used for providing energy to the brain and other body parts.
So, chitin could lower risk of different liver issues connected with fat consumption, but hardly could do anything about obesity.