Should You Start Chowing Down on Chitin?

Chitin, found in crustacean shells, insects and spiders, is often described as a valuable prebiotic fiber, but it's inflammatory and linked to allergies.

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

• Chitin is a polysaccharide found in the exoskeleton of most arthropods, which include insects, spiders, scorpions and centipedes, as well as crabs, crayfish and lobsters

• An animal study suggests that when chitin is consumed, it activates the immune system, which in turn may reduce weight gain and body fat while increasing resistance to o…