Today I will discuss chitin.
Why?
Because chitin is an essential part of the bugs, a widely promoted new world food , that can have harmful effects on human health.
Chitin, a polymer found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans, insects, and some fungi, is gaining attention for its potential applications in agriculture, medicine, and food production. Insect farms are widely regarded as the future of food production. However, eating insects raises serious concerns about safety and the potential negative effects of chitin on humans.
What is Chitin?
Chitin is a long-chain polymer of N-acetylglucosamine, a glucose derivative, and the second most abundant polysaccharide after cellulose. It is not digestible by humans.
What Are The Negative Effects of Chitin Consumption on Human Health?
Digestive Issues: One of the most common concerns about chitin consumption is its indigestibility. Chitin can’t be broken down by human digestive enzymes, which can cause gastrointestinal issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Consuming chitin-rich products as insects aggravate sensitive digestive systems.
Allergic Reactions: Chitin and its derivatives may cause allergic reactions in sensitive people with symptoms ranging from hives and rashes to more serious reactions like anaphylaxis. Those with known crustacean allergies should exercise caution when consuming chitin-containing products, as they may experience similar reactions.
Potential Chemical Contaminants: Insects are susceptible to contamination with hazardous substances like heavy metals, toxins, and pesticides. The consumption of insects may introduce these contaminants into the human body, resulting in health problems over time.
Interference with Nutrient Absorption: According to some studies, chitin may inhibit the absorption of essential nutrients. As a fiber, it can bind to certain nutrients, potentially decreasing their bioavailability. This is especially concerning for the people who rely on high-fiber diets for health reasons, as reduced nutrient absorption could lead to deficiencies over time.
Effects on Gut Health: While dietary fibers can improve gut health, chitin’s unique structure may not provide the same benefits. According to some research, excessive chitin consumption can cause dysbiosis—a microbial imbalance in the gut—which could result in inflammation and a variety of digestive disorders.
Multiple disorders are linked to gut microbiome imbalance, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diabetes, obesity, cancer, cardiovascular, and central nervous system disorders. https://angelovalidiya.substack.com/p/covid-19-vaccines-and-microbiome
Pathogenic vector: Although not directly related to chitin, it still needs to be addressed because the insects may harbor unusual or hazardous microorganisms from species like Candida, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Enterobacteriaceae, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Alternaria.
Conclusion
While chitin and its derivatives have intriguing potential applications in a variety of fields, it is critical to consider the harmful effects of chitin consumption on human health. Individuals who are allergic or have digestive issues should exercise caution when using chitin-containing products. As chitin becomes more popular in food and supplements, more research is needed to fully understand its safety and long-term health implications. Meanwhile, consumers should avoid consuming chitin-rich products.
To continue my blog and my work on Substack, I need your support, my readers. I understand that times are difficult for you as well, but the blog and Substack are the only places where I can use my knowledge. I don’t have a sponsor, and nothing is free to me. I hope you understand why I am unable to do anything in my area of expertise, which is quite broad because it includes both ecology and biomedical sciences. Please click the donate button to help me continue doing what I’m doing now.
Make a one-time donation
Make a monthly donation
Make a yearly donation
Choose an amount
Or enter a custom amount
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearlyYou can also become a paid subscriber to my Substack https://angelovalidiya.substack.com/.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9033872/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5094803/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6728817)
GenuineProspect 
Leave a comment