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Chitosan is a type of fiber which is made from the shells of crustaceans, such as shrimp, lobster, squid or crab. The human body does not digest fiber well, and as it passes through the digestive tract it can bind fats. This causes them to be unabsorbed, too. Since chitosan is a fiber, it was thus hypothesized that it could be effective for weight loss by reducing fat absorption.

The majority of studies done have not confirmed this, however. In fact, in the largest double-blind placebo-controlled study done with the supplement, 250 overweight individuals who received 3 mg of chitosan daily for 6 months did not show any significant weight loss when compared to those individuals in the placebo group.

Are there any adverse consequences to taking chitosan?

Yes.

It has been shown that high doses of chitosan taken over a long period of time can cause the depletion of several important minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, selenium, and vitamins A, D, E and K. Since all these are needed for bone growth, a depletion can set the stage for the development of osteoporosis.

There has also been a report of arsenic poisoning originating from chitosan supplementation. Apparently crustacean shells can contain arsenic which unknowingly can become part of the chitosan supplement. Taken over a long period of time, toxicity and eventually death can occur.

Bottom Line: Short term use of chitosan (i.e., several weeks) is more than likely not a problem. Its not likely to be much help with weight loss. Not for pregnant women and children, however!

Sue Roberts, MPH MS RD/CN is a certified nutritionist and registered dietitian.

Get a copy of her FREE ebook, "The Secrets about Weight Loss Supplements: What You Need to Know" at http://www.YourOnlineNutritionist.com .

There are several basic types of dental insurance plans offering a range of cover from the most basic dental care plans to complete all encompassing dental insurance plans.

Basic dental care plans arent effectively an insurance but rather a club that enables you to obtain discounted dental care from participating dentists. The level of discount is largely dependant on the monthly fee you pay but unlike dental insurance there is no limit to the amount of discounted treatment you can receive. One thing to check with dental care plans is the amount of local dental coverage (if any!). You can join a dental care plan for just a few dollars a month.

Indemnity Insurance Plans are a type of dental insurance whereby you pay the insurance company a fixed monthly fee who, in turn, will reimburse your dentist for services rendered. However, the dental insurance company doesnt normally cover the whole cost with the policy holder be liable for 20 50% of the total cost. If you take out an indemnity plan you need to check the level of deductibles and the maximum amount the insurance policy will pay out in any given year. Also find out the length of any probationary period during which the dental insurance company wont pay out and whether you are able to use your own dentist. Expect to pay around $14 to $26 per month.

One of the increasingly popular dental insurances is the direct reimbursement plans which are self funded by employers rather them paying dental insurance premiums. As a general rule the person receiving the dental care will pay the fee in full and reclaim all or part of the cost (depending on what level of cover their particular employer provides) from their employer. Annual benefits of this dental insurance option are usually capped with the capped level varying quite significantly from one employer to another

Capitation dental insurance plans (HMOs) are when the dentist is paid an annual fee per patient rather than on a treatment basis. However, the dental insurance policy holder may be required to contribute towards the cost of any treatment. The cost of HMO insurance plans are generally targeted at preventative and emergency care and can vary from patient to patient following an initial examination.

Preferred provider organisations (PPO) offer an insurance plan that allows you to visit dentists from a preferred supplier list at a heavily discounted rate. If you choose to use a dentist that is not covered by the dental plan you will still receive some element of discount but nowhere near as much as you will receive from a preferred dentist. As with most dental insurance plans an annual cap will apply. Expect to pay up to about $25 per month.

UCR (Usual, Customary & Reasonable) indemnity dental insurance plans have a database which contains average prices for each dental procedure you might undergo. When you submit your bill for payment the dental insurance provider will check the cost of your treatment against the average. If you paid more than the average you will have to incur the additional cost with the insurance company only paying the insured percentage of the fee shown in their database. If the cost of your treatment is lower than average you will receive the agreed percentage of the amount you paid. There is no control over how dental insurance companies calculate the UCR cost and the insurance company always pockets the benefit of lower fees.

For more on dental insurance visit my website 1st-4-teeth.com

The holiday season is a time of fun, cheer, joy and spending for many people or at least thats what retailers and many small businesses are depending on. If youve been thinking of bringing in extra income during the holiday season - opportunities await you!

The most important thing to remember about creating a short-term business idea for the holidays is early planning. Normally, July is the time-frame that individuals who have holiday businesses start preparing. This will give plenty of time for getting products shipped and implementing your marketing strategy. However, there are several money making ideas that can be planned for in the September time-frame, but any later and youll have to wait to start a holiday business next year!

Below, please find 4 holiday business Ideas that might work for you!

1. Letters From Santa

Children and adults alike love getting a surprise letter from that favorite man with the white beard! This is a favorite for many moms to purchase for their little ones during the season. Create 4-5 template letter themes that can be customized based on the childs likes, dislikes and Christmas wish list. Great holiday paper stock can be purchased at your local office supply store.

Target Customers: Parents with children between the ages of 3-10

Marketing Ideas: Choose a special charity that services women and/or children and commit to giving $1 for every order to that charity. This encourages parents to also support the cause. Set up booths at holiday craft fairs, malls and other holiday events.

Potential Profit: Most letters are prices between $5-$7 and include an activity or small token gift for the child such as holiday coloring pages. It also helps to donate a $1 to a worthy charity or cause. Supplies including holiday paper, postage and envelope, holiday and coloring sheets should run you approximately $75 per 100 letters.

So, 100 letters would yield between $500-$700 gross profit.

2. Holiday Mailing Service

If youre good at administrative work and implementation this is for you! Individuals and small businesses alike have a difficult time of getting those greeting cards out on time. Your mailing package could include:

Data entry of greeting card list

Holiday card selections

Post Card Greeting w/recipe

Assembly and mailing of cards

Target Customers: Real Estate Agents, Mortgage Brokers, Insurance Agents, Consultants, Accountants and other independent agents.

Marketing Idea: Develop an attractive holiday post card using industry specific photos and add a short holiday recipe. Your marketing text could read, Have postcards made just like this one for your customers for the holidays using our holiday mailing service. Call us today!

Profit Potential: Your basic package should start at no less than $150 (actual cards and postage not included), which could be preparing and mailing greeting cards or post cards for up to 200 people. Additional profit is made from you purchasing greeting cards at a wholesale price and marking up retail.

3. Custom Holiday Cards

If youre a graphics designer or like designing greeting cards this is for you! Create at least 5-8 holiday card designs & themes.

Marketing Idea: Develop a sales flyer with pictures and prices of your designed cards on the flyer. Now youre read to start marketing to family, friends, small businesses and independent agents etc.

Profit Potential: 100 customer card packages sold at $25 per package (15-20 greeting cards) will yield a $2500 gross profit. Supplies are estimated at less than $350.

4. Holiday Catering Service

Do you love baking desserts and preparing holiday foods? This could be a great money making time of the year for you! Specialize in offering holiday trays and desserts for offices and small parties of 50 and under. Keep your holiday food and dessert selection simple and package and price your trays based on number of people served.

Marketing Idea: Bake and cook food samples and schedule to deliver sample items to offices with secretaries and office managers. Its sure to be a hit. Do it early enough and you will also get individual customers from offices as well!

Profit Potential: 50 dessert trays (trays could consist of brownies, cookies, breads, homemade cakes and pastries serving at least 25) at $45 each could yield $2250. Supplies are estimated at less than $500

Trina Newby is President and Founder of Women About Biz, a powerful membership-based network for Businesswomen. Let us show you how to grow your business at Women About Biz