Nutritional Supplements Library
What is Glucomannan?
Glucomannan is a water-soluble polysaccharide composing 40% by dry weight of the roots or corm of the konjac plant. It is a perennial plant, growing from a large corm up to 25 cm in diameter. The single leaf is up to 1.3 m across, bipinnate, and divided into numerous leaflets. The flowers are produced on a spathe enclosed by a dark purple spadix up to 55 cm long. Because glucomannan can absorb up to 200 times its weight in water, it has been used as a dietary supplement to promote weight loss (via increasing feelings of fullness). Glucomannan is derived from several plants, but the primary source is Konjac. Glucomannan is a dietary fiber, and has been marketed as a treatment for constipation, obesity, high cholesterol, Acne vulgaris (source) and Type 2 diabetes.
What is the effective dosage of Glucomannan supplementation?
The effective dosage is 1 to 2 grams with 8 to 16 ounce of water approximately 45 mins to 1 hour before meal.
What are the benefits of Glucomannan supplementation?
• Glucomannan is a soluble fiber, it relieve constipation by decreasing fecal transit time.
• Clinical evidence suggests glucomannan may be beneficial in weight loss. Because it is a soluble fiber, it absorbs water to form a viscous gel-like mass. This mass may promote feelings of fullness while traveling through the gastrointestinal tract.
• It has been shown to improve the lipid profile and alleviate the fasting blood glucose levels of Type 2 diabetics.
• It reduces fat absorption.
• It delays sudden elevation of blood sugar by absorbing it slowly from food.
• It reduces cholesterol because glucomannan can bind to bile acids in the gut and carry them out of the body in the feces, which requires the body to convert more cholesterol into bile acids. This can result in the lowering of blood cholesterol and other blood fats.
What are the side effects of Glucomannan supplementation?
It reduces the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals so it is important to take multivitamin tablet along with glumannan. High dosage of it can lead to diarrhea, bloating and flatulence.
• Glucomannan must be taken with adequate amounts of fluids. Inadequate fluid intake may cause glucomannan to swell and block the throat, esophagus or intestines.
• Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid glucomannan supplements.