Sood N, Baker WL, Coleman CI. Effect of Glucomannan on Plasma Lipid Concentrations, Body Weight, and Blood Pressure: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2008 Oct. Gallaher DD, Gallaher CM, Mahrt GJ, et al. A glucomannan and chitosan fiber supplement decreases plasma cholesterol and Several countries have banned the use of konjac because of the high incidence of bowel or throat obstruction. Children and pregnant or breastfeeding people should not take konjac supplements. When you increase your fibre intake start slowly and build up to the maximum dosage, otherwise you may experience bloating, flatulence or soft stools for a few days while the body adjusts. While these symptoms are fairly common for the first few days, if they persist, stop taking glucomannan and consult with a medical professional.

Onishi, N., Kawamoto, S., Nishimura, M., Nakano, T., Aki, T., Shigeta, S., Shimizu, H., Hashimoto, K., and Ono, K. The ability of konjac-glucomannan to suppress spontaneously occurring dermatitis in NC/Nga mice depends upon the particle size. Biofactors 2004;21(1-4):163-166. View abstract. This is thought to be because more fibre in general will help relieve constipation – and glucomannan is an excellent source of that! Yoshida, M., Vanstone, C. A., Parsons, W. D., Zawistowski, J., and Jones, P. J. Effect of plant sterols and glucomannan on lipids in individuals with and without type II diabetes. Eur.J Clin Nutr. 2006;60(4):529-537. View abstract.

Psyllium Husks

Keithley J, Swanson B, Mikolaitis S. Safety and efficacy of glucomannan for weight loss in overweight and moderately obese adults. J Obes. 2013;2013:610908. doi:10.1155/2013/610908 The fact that konjac root is a prebiotic is one of the reasons why it has the next benefit. 3. Constipation Relief Bateni, E., et al. (2013). The use of konjac glucomannan hydrolysates (GMH) to improve the health of the skin and reduce acne vulgaris. Jenkins, A. L., et al. (2018). Co-administration of a konjac-based fibre blend and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) on glycaemic control and serum lipids in type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled, cross-over clinical trial [Abstract]. Konjac candies have a gelatinous structure that doesn’t dissolve in your mouth like other gelatin products.

Signorelli, P., Croce, P., and Dede, A. [A clinical study of the use of a combination of glucomannan with lactulose in the constipation of pregnancy]. Minerva Ginecol. 1996;48(12):577-582. View abstract. If you are currently taking any medications, you are advised to take them 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking glucomannan because it may reduce the speed at which they are absorbed into the bloodstream.Ho, H. V. T., et al. (2017). A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of the effect of konjac glucomannan, a viscous soluble fiber, on LDL cholesterol and the new lipid targets non-HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B. Han, Y., et al. (2017). Effect of glucomannan on functional constipation in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials [Abstract]. Health Canada Safety Alert. Health Canada Advises Canadians that natural health products containing glucomannan may cause serious choking if used with insufficient fluid. January 29, 2010. Alert # RA-110003825. https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2010/13439a-eng.php As with any fibre, glucomannan can help you feel more satisfied after eating, but what makes it interesting to scientists is thatglucomannanhas extraordinary water absorption capacities – it’s able to absorb up to 50 times its own weight in water! 4 Summary