Effects of Chitosan Oligosaccharide Supplementation on Lipid Profiles in Overweight and Obese Thai Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Obesity represents a significant public health challenge closely associated with dyslipidaemia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) supplementation on lipid profiles and body composition among overweight or obese Thai women. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted over a duration of 60 days, involving 60 participants. The participants were assigned to one of three groups: one group received 1.5 g of COS daily (1.5COS, n = 20), another group received 3 g of COS daily (3COS, n = 20), and a control group received a placebo (n = 20). Biochemical and anthropometric data were collected prior to and following the intervention, while dietary intake was monitored throughout the study. The intention-to-treat analysis indicated that no statistically significant differences in lipid profiles were noted between the COS and placebo groups. However, the 1.5COS group exhibited a significant increase in mean high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (p = 0.024). Additionally, the waist-to-hip ratio reduction was observed as a within-group change in the 3 COS group, not a statistically significant between-group difference. The findings of this trial did not indicate a clinically significant reduction in lipid profiles attributable to COS supplementation. Trial Registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry: TCTR20250625005 on 25 June 2025.