Chitin

Consuming insects actively inhibits absorption of key vitamins from other foods eaten at the same time. Mushroom cell membranes contain chitin, the same structural material found in arthropod exoskeletons. Chitin is completely indigestible by the human digestive system. Chitin is a polysaccharide in insect exoskeletons that functions as an anti-nutrient. Chitin is not digested by the human gut microbiome. Cooking breaks down the chitin structure in mushrooms. Chitin blocks absorption of Vitamin E, an important antioxidant vitamin. Chitin blocks absorption of Vitamin A, which is essential for vision, immune function, and cellular health. Intact chitin in raw mushrooms causes stomachaches and poor nutrient absorption.