The Impact of Chitin on the Human Body

Recently, we have received numerous inquiries regarding why some people experience stomach upset, nausea, and even vomiting when consuming mushrooms. Let’s delve into this issue with scientists and uncover the reasons behind such reactions.
All these reactions are related to the fact that all mushrooms contain chitin.
Let’s start with the fact that chitin is one of the most common polysaccharides in nature. It is found in the cell walls of fungi and is a major component of the exoskeletons of insects, crustaceans, and some other invertebrates. Chitin is insoluble in water and resistant to digestion by human digestive enzymes. Chitin can be broken down by chitinase, an enzyme that splits chitin into smaller molecules. However, some people have low activity of this enzyme, which is why chitin can cause discomfort for several reasons:

  • Difficulty with digestion: Chitin is a rather tough and insoluble substance in digestive juices. Some people may have difficulty digesting it, which leads to discomfort, bloating, or a feeling of heaviness.
  • Individual sensitivity: As with other dietary fibers, some people's bodies may be more sensitive to chitin. This sensitivity can manifest as bloating, gas, or even mild gastrointestinal disorders.
  • Fermentation issues: In the large intestine, chitin can partially ferment by bacteria, which may lead to increased gas production and, consequently, discomfort. This particularly affects people with sensitive intestines or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • Unfamiliarity in the diet: For people who rarely consume mushrooms or foods high in dietary fibers, their digestive system may not be accustomed to processing such substances, leading to temporary discomfort.
  • Allergic reactions: Some people may experience an allergic reaction to mushrooms or their components, including chitin. This could result in more serious symptoms such as vomiting, rash, itching, or even breathing problems.

In research on the effects of chitin on the digestive system, it was found that there are genetic variations in people that affect chitinase activity, which may explain differences in the ability to digest chitin among different individuals.
But there is a solution! Most mushrooms in our store are offered in extract form, which does not contain chitin.
Listen to your body, consume healing mushrooms, and stay healthy!

You can view all available extracts here.

This publication uses materials from scientific research:

(Molecular Biology and Evolution, "Los and Gain of Human Acidic Mammalian Chitinase Activity by Nonsynonymous SNPs" 2016 Dec; 33(12))

(ScienceDaily, "Chitin, a structural molecule associated with allergy response, is identified in vertebrates" March 13, 2015)

(SciTechDaily «Nature's Digestive Boost: New Study Discover Potential Obesity-Fighting Effects of Hitin» September 7, 2023)

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