Emma Wilson
Glucomannan, also known as konjac or elephant yam, is a type of soluble fibre derived from the root of the konjac plant (Amorphophallus konjac). It is commonly used as a dietary supplement for weight management, as it promotes feelings of fullness by absorbing water and forming a bulky fibre in the gut. In addition to weight loss, glucomannan is also used to treat constipation, lower cholesterol, and control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It is available in various forms, including powder, capsules, and tablets, but caution should be exercised when consuming glucomannan products, especially for certain groups such as pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with oesophageal or gut abnormalities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Other names | Konjac, Elephant Yam, Konjac Mannan, Glucomannan Konjac |
| Source | Root or tuber of the Konjac plant (Amorphophallus konjac) or Amorphophallus rivieri |
| Region | East and Southeast Asia |
| Composition | β-(1–4)-linked d-mannose and d-glucose monomers |
| Uses | Thickening agent, gelling agent, emulsifier, food additive, binder in meat products, dietary fibre supplement, medicine |
| Medicinal uses | Constipation, weight loss, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, lung cancer, atopic diseases, prebiotic |
| Dosage | 1-13 grams daily for adults, 2-5 grams daily for children |
| Side effects | Diarrhea, abdominal pain, flatulence, abdominal discomfort, bloating, choking, obstruction of esophagus or gut |
| Precautions | Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, not to be taken without water, to be taken 1 hour before or 4 hours after other medications |
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What You'll Learn
Glucomannan is a sugar made from the root of the konjac plant
Glucomannan is a dietary fibre supplement that is commonly used for weight management. It is often marketed as a supplement to aid weight loss, although there is limited scientific evidence to support this. It is also used for constipation, diabetes, and high cholesterol. It is also used for high blood pressure, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Glucomannan is a water-soluble polysaccharide that is considered a dietary fibre. It is a food additive used as an emulsifier and
Glucomannan may work in the stomach and intestines by absorbing water to form a bulky fibre, which treats constipation. It may also slow the absorption of sugar and cholesterol in the gut, helping to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes and reduce cholesterol levels. It can also be used to treat type 2 diabetes by extending gastric emptying time, increasing satiety, and promoting liver glycogen synthesis. It may also improve intestinal flora and the metabolic system through a variety of molecular pathways.
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Glucomannan is used for weight loss
Glucomannan is a natural, water-soluble dietary fibre extracted from the roots of the elephant yam, also known as konjac. It has gained attention as a weight-loss supplement, with some studies showing promising results.
Glucomannan is believed to promote weight loss by absorbing water in the stomach, creating a feeling of fullness and reducing calorie intake. It is also very low in calories. Several studies have found that glucomannan supplementation resulted in significant weight loss in overweight and obese adults, with greater results compared to placebo groups.
In one study, 176 healthy but overweight people on a calorie-restricted diet were given either a glucomannan supplement or a placebo. The group that took the glucomannan supplement experienced significantly greater weight loss. Another study of 29 overweight or obese adults found that taking glucomannan supplements before meals for 14 weeks significantly reduced weight, waist circumference, and body fat percentage.
However, not all studies have shown a significant effect on weight loss. Some research has found that glucomannan supplementation did not lead to weight loss or changes in body composition, hunger, or meal satiation. The efficacy of glucomannan for weight loss may depend on factors such as intervention dose, participant characteristics, sample size, and study duration.
Glucomannan is available as a supplement in powder, capsule, or drink mix form, and is also added to food products such as pasta, flour, and shirataki noodles. It is generally considered safe when taken as directed, but it is important to consume it with plenty of water to avoid choking and other serious side effects.
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Glucomannan may help control blood sugar levels
Glucomannan is a sugar derived from the root of the konjac plant, also known as the elephant yam. It is a type of soluble fibre that is commonly used for weight management and has been studied for its potential effects on blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
Glucomannan has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. This is due to its ability to slow the absorption of sugar in the gut, which helps to control blood sugar levels. It is also highly water-soluble, absorbing up to 50 times its weight in water, and forms a gel in the presence of water, coating the gut and bowel with a protective layer.
The recommended total intake of dietary fibre is around 25-30g per day, with 6-8g coming from soluble fibre. One teaspoon of glucomannan powder contains 4g of fibre and is considered safe for short-term use by adults and children. It is also likely safe for pregnant women, although more research is needed to confirm this.
However, it is important to note that solid tablets containing glucomannan are possibly unsafe for adults and likely unsafe for children, as they can cause blockages in the throat or intestines. Additionally, those with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels closely when taking glucomannan, as it can interfere with blood sugar control and cause blood sugar levels to drop too low when combined with diabetes medications.
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Glucomannan is used as a thickening agent in food
Glucomannan, also known as konjac or elephant yam, is a type of soluble fibre derived from the root of the konjac plant. It is a plant-based polysaccharide carbohydrate that is commonly used as a thickening agent in food.
Glucomannan is a natural ingredient with almost no side effects. It is odourless, tasteless, and does not contain starch, sugar, calories, or gelatin. It is also a gluten-free alternative to cornstarch. When used as a thickening agent, glucomannan has about ten times the viscosity and thickening power of cornstarch. It can be used to thicken sauces, gravies, soups, dressings, puddings, and smoothies.
To use glucomannan as a thickening agent, it should first be mixed with a small amount of cold water or other liquid ingredients such as stock, wine, or soy sauce. This mixture can then be added to the dish being prepared. It is important to note that glucomannan should not be added directly to the food as it will result in a lumpy consistency.
Glucomannan is also known for its health benefits, including weight loss, blood sugar control, and lowering cholesterol levels. It is often used for medicinal purposes and as a dietary fibre supplement. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional when using glucomannan for medicinal or nutritional purposes to ensure safe and effective use.
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Glucomannan is possibly unsafe for children
Glucomannan is a sugar made from the root of the konjac plant, also known as elephant yam. It is commonly used as a thickening agent and a source of dietary fibre in food. Glucomannan is also used as medicine to treat constipation, aid weight loss in adults and children, and manage type 2 diabetes, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
Glucomannan powder and capsules are possibly safe for most children when consumed with water for up to four months. However, solid tablets containing glucomannan are likely unsafe for children and can cause serious health issues. These tablets can cause choking and blockages in the throat or intestines.
The safety concerns regarding glucomannan tablets for children highlight the importance of consulting a healthcare provider before use. It is crucial to determine the appropriate dose and form of glucomannan for children, considering their specific health needs and conditions.
Additionally, it is important to note that there is limited research on the safety of glucomannan for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. As a result, it is recommended to err on the side of caution and avoid using glucomannan during these periods.
Furthermore, when taken with other medications, glucomannan can decrease the absorption of those medicines in the body. This interaction can affect the effectiveness of the medications. Therefore, it is advised to consult a healthcare provider and take glucomannan at least one hour after taking other medications.
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Frequently asked questions
Glucomannan is a natural, water-soluble fibre derived from the roots of the konjac plant, otherwise known as the elephant yam. It is traditionally used in Asian cuisine and medicine.
Glucomannan is used to treat constipation, lower cholesterol, and control blood sugar levels. It is also used to aid weight loss, as it absorbs water in the stomach to form a bulky fibre, helping you feel more satisfied after eating.
Glucomannan is available as a powder, capsule, or tablet. It should always be taken with water to avoid choking.
Glucomannan is likely safe when consumed as food. However, tablets are possibly unsafe for adults and likely unsafe for children, as they can cause blockages in the throat or oesophagus. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid glucomannan due to a lack of safety information.
Glucomannan can decrease how much medication is absorbed by the body, reducing its effectiveness. It may also interfere with blood sugar control, so caution is advised for those with diabetes. Consult a doctor before taking glucomannan alongside medication.
