In terms of chemical structure, chitin is a long chain of polysaccharides, made of smaller chains of processed glucose. Chitin builds the outer skeletons of insects, fungal cell walls, and other hard structures in fish or mussels. Consuming food chitin has a good effect on the balance of cholesterol and body weight.
Chitin – production and application
Chityna has many commercial applications, including food and pharmaceutical products. It is often used as a product thickener and stabilizer or as a dietary supplement as fiber. Dietary supplements usually contain chitosanwhich is a modified form chitynyonly that it has a greater bioavailability. chitosan is produced commercially by soaking the shells of crustaceans with sodium hydroxide, which flushes acetyl groups in chitin.
The use of chitin in the pharmaceutical industry is mainly reflected in the production of dietary supplements. Consumption chityny may have the following effects:
- Some studies show that chitin helps maintain a healthy level of cholesterol in the body,
- can support skin damage as well as regeneration and growth of nerve cells,
- supports the functioning of the kidneys, especially in the case of hemodialysis treatments,
- helps to maintain a healthy body weight thanks to the supply of valuable fiber, which is usually associated with the consumption of large amounts of water.
Chitin in cosmetics
Chityna (chitosan) it also has wide application w cosmetics industry. It has been proven that adding to cosmetics chityny when used, it increases the hydration of the skin and at the same time protects the skin against excessive drying. Chityna it is neutral for our skin and can be mixed with other substances in cosmeticswhose task is to protect the skin against UV radiation and replenish the missing nutrients. Alone Chityna has properties that protect against UV radiation, thus effectively preventing skin aging. The above properties chityny they encourage producers to add it to shampoos and various types of nail polishes and conditioners.
Chitin it is also added to hair sprays, increasing the detangling effect and stiffness of the hair. Products containing chitin intended for use on the hair, they are also supposed to nourish them and strengthen weak cell structures.
Another using chitin is to add it to oral care products and chewing gums. Chityna because it has the properties of regenerating periodontal elements and the enamel of our teeth. We can find it in toothpastes, mouthwashes, oral threads and chewing gums. chitosan lowers the pH level in the mouth, reducing the metabolism of bacteria responsible for the deterioration of our tooth enamel and contributing to unpleasant breath from the mouth. Chityna It also has antibacterial properties, which – when taken regularly application agents containing it – allows to reduce inflammation of the skin or the mouth and gums.