Medical Condition Library

Information Centers

Wellness Centers

Helpful Resources

Glucomannan

Home | Health Information Center | Natural & Alternative Treatments | Herbs & Supplements | Article

Introduction

Glucomannan is a fiber found in the root of the elephant yam. It has been used to promote weight loss and ease constipation. It can be taken as a pill or powder.

Dosages

3 to 5 grams once daily

What Research Shows

Likely Effective

High Cholesterol—likely to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol B1-B3

Not Enough Data to Assess

Constipation in children A1, A2
ObesityC1, C2

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Safety Notes

It may be safe for most adults to take glucomannan as a powder for a short time. Pills or tablets with glucomannan may not be safe. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to take for a long period.D1-D3

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any alternative therapy or supplements you are taking to make sure it does not interfere with your current treatment. For example:

People with diabetes should talk to their doctors before taking glucomannan. It may interact with their medicines.

References►

A. Constipation in Children

A1. Chmielewska A, Horvath A, et al. Glucomannan is not effective for the treatment of functional constipation in children: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Clin Nutr. 2011 Aug;30(4):462-468.

A2. Han Y, Zhang L, et al. Effect of glucomannan on functional constipation in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2017 May;26(3):471-477.

High Cholesterol

B1. Martino F, Puddu PE, et al. Low dose chromium-polynicotinate or policosanol is effective in hypercholesterolemic children only in combination with glucomannan. Atherosclerosis. 2013 May;228(1):198-202.

B2. Ho HVT, Jovanovski E, et al. 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. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017;105(5):1239-1247.

B3. Jenkins AL, Morgan LM, et al. 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. Eur J Nutr. 2018 Sep;57(6):2217-2225.

C. Obesity

C1. Onakpoya I, Posadski P, et al. The effect of glucomannan supplementation in overweight and obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. J Am Coll Nutr. 2014;33(1):70-78.

C2. Zalewski BM, Chmielewska A, et al. The effect of glucomannan on body weight in overweight or obese children and adults: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Nutrition. 2015 Mar;31(3):437-42.e2.

D. Safety

D1. Health Canada advises Canadians that natural health products containing glucomannan may cause serious choking if used with insufficient fluid. Available at: http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2010/13439a-eng.php. Published January 29, 2010. Accessed April 18, 2019.

D2. Inspections, compliance, enforcement, and criminal investigations. US Food & Drug Administration website. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/EnforcementStory/EnforcementStoryArchive/ucm105953.htm. Updated May 2, 2016. Accessed April 18, 2019.

D3. Vanderbeek PB, Fasano C, et al. Esophageal obstruction from a hygroscopic pharmacobezoar containing glucomannan. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2007;45:80-82.

Last reviewed February 2020 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC
Last Updated: 5/27/2020

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.