Dangers of the Konjac Root

Konjac mannan root, also known as glucomannan, is a soluble fiber that is used to thicken Asian food, such as tofu and noodles. When the root comes in contact with water, it doesn’t dissolve but turns into a non-digestible gel that the body excretes, according to the website Bodybuildingforyou.com. It is used in diet pills because it gives a feeling of fullness or satiety. It has also been found to treat constipation and may lower cholesterol levels as well. There are several possible side effects to eating konjac root, but they’re mostly minor and reversible.

Gastrointestinal

• Like many other soluble fibers, konjac root can cause increased bowel movements, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain and flatulence, reports Ray Sahelian, M.D., on the Bodybuildingforyou.com website. Reducing the amount of root you eat will typically reverse these symptoms, according to the Cellhealthmakeover.com website.

Nutrition

• Konjac root may prevent the body from fully absorbing nutrients in other foods, so it is advisable to take a daily multi-vitamin to avoid developing a nutritional deficiency, according to the website Cellhealthmakeover.com.

Swallowing Difficulties

• The diet pills containing the kinjac root should be taken with water, but this combination could cause the pill to expand in the throat, although this is a rare side effect.