Glucomannan

Our Products with Glucomannan in them. 

This information is from Webmd.com

OTHER NAME(S): 

Glucomanano, Glucomannane, Konjac Mannan

Glucomannan is a dietary fiber. It is usually made from the root of the konjac plant. Glucommanan powder, capsules, and tablets are used as medicine.

Glucomannan is used for constipation, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Some people take glucomannan by mouth for high blood pressure, obesity, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses of glucomannan.

In foods, glucomannan is used as a thickener or gelling agent. It is also included in food as a dietary fiber.

How does it work?

Glucomannan might work in the stomach and intestines by absorbing water to form a bulky fiber which treats constipation. It may also slow the absorption of sugar and cholesterol from the gut, helping to control sugar levels in diabetes, and reducing cholesterol levels.

Uses & Effectiveness?

Possibly Effective for

• Constipation. Taking glucomannan by mouth can relieve constipation in adults. It might also reduce constipation in children, but results are mixed.
• Diabetes. Taking glucomannan by mouth seems to reduce cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure in people with diabetes.
• High cholesterol. Taking glucomannan by mouth seems to improve cholesterol levels in people with or without high cholesterol.

Insufficient Evidence for

• Rapid gastric emptying (dumping syndrome). Dumping syndrome occurs when food moves from the stomach to the intestines too quickly. This can cause the body to release a large amount of insulin, which can cause low blood sugar. Some early research shows that taking glucomannan by mouth helps prevent blood sugar from becoming too low after eating in people at risk for this condition. However, not all research agrees.
• High blood pressure. Early research shows that glucomannan might improve blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Early research shows that adding glucomannan to treatment with methimazole and propranolol helps to reduce thyroid hormone levels in people with overactive thyroid.
• Obesity. Some early research shows that taking glucomannan by mouth improves weight loss in overweight and obese adults and children. However, not all research agrees.
• Disorders marked by persistent and recurring GI symptoms (functional gastrointestinal disorders).
• Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate glucomannan for these uses.

Side Effects & Safety

When taken by mouth: Glucomannan powder or flour is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when consumed as food. Glucomannan powder and capsules are POSSIBLY SAFE when used as medicine, short-term. But solid tablets containing glucomannan are POSSIBLY UNSAFE for adults. These tablets may cause blockages of the throat or intestines.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking glucomannan if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Glucomannan powder and capsules are POSSIBLY SAFE for most children when used as medicine, short-term. But solid tablets containing glucomannan are LIKELY UNSAFE. These tablets may cause blockages of the throat or intestines.

Diabetes: Glucomannan may interfere with blood sugar control. Monitor blood sugar closely if you have diabetes and use glucomannan.

Surgery: Glucomannan might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using glucomannan at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

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