Glucomannan

Origin and history

Glucomannan is the name given to starch-like substances made from branched carbohydrate chains. Because devil's tongue root ( Amorphophallus konjac) contains about 40% glucomannan, the root, also known as konjac root, is the most important and prominent source of glucomannan. Konjac glucomannan is used in Europe as an additive in food under the number E 425 as a thickener. Also as a vegan replacement for gelatin. In Asia it has been used as a natural additive in traditional cuisine for around 1500 years. You can find higher levels of glucomannan in Shirataki noodles, for example. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine.  

Characteristics

Glucomannan is characterized by a high content of soluble fiber , which contains few calories. And contains hardly any fat, protein or sugar, making it an attractive supplement for a healthy diet. As such a source, the fiber has positive effects on the digestive system and intestinal bacteria and can also form a protective film on the intestinal wall. Because it causes food to stay in the body longer, it can help you feel fuller for longer.  

The following health claims related to glucomannan have been evaluated and approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) through scientific studies:  

• Glucomannan contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels (at a daily intake of 4 g)  
• Glucomannan contributes to weight loss as part of a low-calorie diet (with a daily intake of 3 g glucomannan in three servings of 1 g per serving)  

In studies, the cholesterol-lowering effect of glucomannan has been evaluated and confirmed by the EFSA, but other health benefits are still being investigated in science.  

Potential health-promoting effects that have not yet been fully established and confirmed include:  

• Anti-diabetic effect – Studies have shown that type 2 diabetics have reduced fasting sugar and insulin levels, as well as lower sugar levels after meals. Thus, glucomannan could help diabetics regulate their sugar.  
• Anti-tumor effect – Studies suggest that glucomannan has a direct, blocking effect on a signaling pathway in tumor cells that inhibits growth. Additionally, it has anti-oxidant properties and reduces cell stress that could lead to tumors.  
• Immune-stimulating effect - In a study, when in contact with antibiotic-resistant staphylococci, glucomannan led to an improved immune response and glucomannan could therefore also act as an immune-stimulating substance.  

Possible side effects  

If glucomannan is not taken with enough water, it can cause a risk of choking and intestinal blockage. Other undesirable effects include diarrhea, belching and flatulence. Therefore, you should always make sure you drink enough water when taking it.  

Interactions 

People taking blood sugar control medications or blood thinners should consult a doctor before taking glucomannan because it may affect the absorption of these medications. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women and people with existing intestinal problems should also consult a doctor before use.  

Which AgilNature® products contain glucomannan? 

*Nutrient Reference Value = Percentage of the reference value according to Appendix XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No. 1169/2011.  

** No recommendation available.  

Literature: 

1. E 425 Konjac gum, Konjac glucomannan - Lexicon of additives. https://www.zusatzstoffmuseum.de/lexikon-der-zusatzstoffe/konjakgummikonjakglukomannan.html (accessed on January 16, 2024)  
2. Chua, M; Baldwin, T.C.; Hocking, T.J.; Chan, K (24 March 2010). "Traditional uses and potential health benefits of Amorphophallus konjac K. Koch ex NEBr". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 128 (2): 268–78.  
3. Ho HVT, Jovanovski E, Zurbau A, Blanco Mejia S, Sievenpiper JL, Au-Yeung F, Jenkins AL, Duvnjak L, Leiter L, Vuksan V. 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 May;105(5):1239-1247.  
4. Devaraj RD, Reddy CK, Xu B. Health-promoting effects of konjac glucomannan and its practical applications: A critical review. Int J Biol Macromol. 2019 Apr 1;126:273-281.  
5. Zhang Z, Zhang Y, Tao X, Wang Y, Rao B, Shi H. Effects of Glucomannan Supplementation on Type II Diabetes Mellitus in Humans: A Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2023 Jan 24;15(3):601.  
6. Fang Y, Ma J, Lei P, Wang L, Qu J, Zhao J, Liu F, Yan X, Wu W, Jin L, Ji H, Sun D. Konjac Glucomannan: An Emerging Specialty Medical Food to Aid in the Treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Foods. 2023 Jan 12;12(2):363.  
7. Li JY, Sun F, Zhou HF, Yang J, Huang C, Fan H. A Systematic Review Exploring the Anticancer Activity and Mechanisms of Glucomannan. Front Pharmacol. 2019 Aug 23;10:930.  
8. Khanzadeh Tehrani M, Yazdi MH, Pourmand MR. Glucomannan enhanced the macrophage activity in exposure to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): in-vitro study. Iran J Microbiol. 2023 Aug;15(4):557-564.  
9. Igho Onakpoya MD igho.onakpoya@phc.ox.ac.uk , Paul Posadzki PhD & Edzard Ernst MD, PhD, FRCP, FRCP (Edin) (2014) The Efficacy of Glucomannan Supplementation in Overweight and Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials, Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 33:1, 70-78.