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Glucomannan Risks

Glucomannan is a soluble dietary fiber extracted from konjac plant roots. Glucomannan is sold in capsule form as a fiber supplement and in some over-the-counter weight loss pills. Soluble fibers slow down the rate at which foods pass through the stomach, which helps to promote fullness when on a reduced calorie diet. A meta-analysis study published in 2008 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicated that daily glucomannan supplementation resulted in a small, but significant amount of weight loss in overweight individuals.

  1. Choking on Capsules

    • Glucomannan capsules are a serious choking hazard if not taken as directed. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has specific labeling requirements for drug products that contain glucomannan, in order to minimize this risk. Glucomannan fibre is soluble in water, which can cause it to swell up and block the throat or esophagus if not taken with enough fluid to swallow the capsule easily. It is recommend that capsules be taken along with 8 oz. of water or another fluid. Because of the choking risk, glucomannan capsules are not recommended for individuals who have difficulty swallowing. Also, contact a medical practitioner if you experience chest pain, vomiting or difficulty swallowing and/or breathing.

    Choking on Konjac Candies

    • Fruit flavored konjac "jelly cup" candies imported from Asia, which contain glucomannan fiber as a gelling agent, can also be choking hazards. Unlike in other types of jelly sweets, glucomannan does not break down easily during chewing and represents a serious choking risk for infants, children and the elderly, according to the FDA. In fact, the FDA recalled or seized several varieties of konjac candies following the choking deaths of six children in the United States. Some types of konjac candies have warning labels indicating that children between the ages of 3 and 6 should not consume them.

    Gastrointestinal Side Effects

    • Glucomannan supplementation is generally well tolerated, with minimal complications, although some incidences of gastrointestinal side effects have been reported. Specifically, glucomannan consumption may cause increased risk of abdominal pain, loose stools or diarrhea in some individuals, because of the amount of soluble dietary fiber added to their diet. Such symptoms, however, are generally mild, if present at all. For example, a 2008 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition indicated that overweight and obese participants given a mixed dose of glucomannan and psyllium fiber daily for 16 weeks did not experience any significant difference in side effects compared to the placebo control group.

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