Passaretti S, Franzoni M, Comin U, et al. Action of glucomannans on complaints in patients affected with chronic constipation: a multicentric clinical evaluation. Ital J Gastroenterol 1991;23:421-5. View abstract.

Cesa, F., Mariani, S., Fava, A., Rauseo, R., and Zanetti, H. [The use of vegetable fibers in the treatment of pregnancy diabetes and/or excessive wight gain during pregnancy]. Minerva Ginecol. 1990;42(6):271-274. View abstract. A review from 2017 found that taking glucomannan improved the frequency of bowel movements in children with constipation. Chromium supports the maintenance of normal blood glucose concentrations and contributes to normal macronutrient (fat, protein, and carbohydrate) metabolism. Soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels. A diet high in fiber may also help regulate bowel movements, prevent hemorrhoids, and help prevent diverticular disease. Vuksan V, Sievenpiper JL, Owen R, et al. Beneficial effects of viscous dietary fiber from Konjac-mannan in subjects with the insulin resistance syndrome: results of a controlled metabolic trial. Diabetes Care 2000;23:9-14. View abstract.According to the FDA, some konjac candies have caused choking deaths in older adults and children. This prompted the FDA to issue an import alert for konjac candies. Glucomannan is generally well-tolerated. However, as with any high fiber product, it may cause digestive problems, such as: Bernstein, J. A., Crandall, M. S., and Floyd, R. Respiratory sensitization of a food manufacturing worker to konjac glucomannan. J Asthma 2007;44(8):675-680. View abstract. This process of absorbing large quantities of water is important because this is what seems to give glucomannan its beneficial properties. Most notably, it swells up in the digestive system. While this might not sound like a particularly impressive claim to fame, it has a significant impact on how full one feels after eating, what nutrients are absorbed and how rapidly food moves through the digestive system.

a b c Evans, Toshie M. (1997). "konnyaku". A Dictionary of Japanese Loanwords. Westport, Connecticut, USA: Greenwood Press. p.92. ISBN 978-0-313-28741-1.Vanderbeek, P. B., Fasano, C., O'Malley, G., and Hornstein, J. Esophageal obstruction from a hygroscopic pharmacobezoar containing glucomannan. Clin Toxicol.(Phila) 2007;45(1):80-82. View abstract. When glucomannan fibre enters the stomach it absorbs very large amounts of water, increasing the feeling of fullness which subsequently decreases appetite.

The experts found that participants taking the supplement experienced significantly smaller spikes in blood sugar levels when compared to non-supplementing volunteers. Furthermore it was found that this “protective” benefit was experienced for at least two hours after food consumption. Researchers concluded that glucomannan could be an adjuvant (additional) therapy for people with diabetes and high cholesterol.EasyGest capsules have been designed to be opened up and added to food or drink as an alternative method of consumption. This allows customers who struggle to take tablets or capsule orally to enjoy the benefits of the Glucomannan Fibre 500mg capsules without any added discomfort or distress. In a 2005 study, 176 healthy overweight people were randomly assigned to ingest either a fiber supplement or a placebo while on a calorie-restricted diet. The fiber supplements were either glucomannan, glucomannan and guar gum, or glucomannan along with guar gum and alginate. All of the subjects consumed a balanced 1,200-calorie diet plus either the fiber supplement or a placebo. After a five-week observation period, the researchers found that all of the fiber supplements plus controlled diet led to a decrease in weight compared to placebo plus diet. However, they conclude that glucomannan specifically produced a reduction in body weight in overweight yet otherwise healthy subjects, but the addition of guar gum and alginate did not seem to cause any additional loss of weight. ( 2) Having high cholesterol increases a person’s risk of heart disease and stroke. Doctors recommend water-soluble fiber to support healthy cholesterol levels and weight management.

Gallaher DD, Gallaher CM, Mahrt GJ, et al. A glucomannan and chitosan fiber supplement decreases plasma cholesterol and Holland & Barrett Glucomannan and Chromium Capsules are rich in Konjac Fibre. Konjac Fibre has almost no calories, but is very high in fibre. Chromium contributes towards normal macronutrient metabolism, while Glucomannan in the context of an energy restricted diet contributes to weight loss.

What is the best glucomannan supplement?

Simply Supplements Glucomannan Fibre 500mg capsules utilise a unique EasyGest capsule system, which offers customers more additional benefits than other supplements on the market. Hopman, W. P., Houben, P. G., Speth, P. A., and Lamers, C. B. Glucomannan prevents postprandial hypoglycaemia in patients with previous gastric surgery. Gut 1988;29(7):930-934. View abstract. A preliminary trial and a number of double-blind trials found glucomannan to be an effective constipation treatment. For constipated individuals, glucomannan and other bulk-forming laxatives typically encourage a bowel movement within 12 to 24 hours of intake. Studies have shown three to four grams to be effective for constipation. ( 6)