Glucomannan is a water-soluble dietary fiber made from the konjac plant. It is used in Asian foods and marketed as a weight loss supplement, constipation cure, and treatment for high cholesterol and diabetes. It has positive effects on constipation and diabetes but its effectiveness as a weight loss supplement is unclear. Side effects are mild but it may interfere with existing medications and pregnant/lactating women should not use it. It should be taken with enough water to avoid potential blockages in the digestive tract or throat.
Glucomannan is a water-soluble dietary fiber made from the root of the konjac plant. It is widely used as an emulsifier and thickener in Asian foods like tofu and noodles. Also marketed as a dietary supplement, it is available in pill or powder form and is offered as a weight loss product, as a constipation cure, and as a treatment for high cholesterol and diabetes. As a dietary supplement, it is available in powders, shakes, and tablets, sold as a single supplement or mixed with other components.
Like other sources of fiber, glucomannan is often used to treat constipation. It works by absorbing water, allowing stool to pass more smoothly. Studies related to its effect on constipation have shown positive results, with a marked increase in the frequency and size of stools.
Proponents promote this dietary fiber as a weight loss product as well. Glucomannan combines with water to form a thick gel that can give the dieter a feeling of fullness. Researchers have not determined the effectiveness of this fiber as a weight loss supplement.
Studies related to diabetes have also had promising results. These studies have found glucomannan to be effective in lowering cholesterol levels in diabetics. They also indicate that fiber could be helpful in controlling blood sugar levels.
Studies indicate that glucomannan might be helpful for some or all of these conditions, but the level of that effectiveness has not been clearly identified. Many of these benefits are established properties of all dietary fiber, and glucomannan has not been identified as superior. Regulatory agencies such as the United States Food and Drug Administration had not approved the supplement for the treatment of any medical conditions as of October 2010.
Most of the side effects, such as gas or bloating, are relatively mild and only cause discomfort or distraction, but concern over potential side effects has led to some strong warnings. Its impact on cholesterol and blood sugar makes it unsuitable for people already under treatment for diabetes, as it may interfere with existing medications. Pregnant and lactating women are also discouraged from using the supplement.
Failure to take glucomannan with enough water, especially in pill form, has been identified as a potential danger. Fiber absorbs enough water to swell, but not enough to become a liquid, and can potentially form a blockage in your digestive tract or even your throat. People who have difficulty swallowing or who have a narrow esophagus should not use this supplement.
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