INTRODUCTION:

Overweight and obesity are considered major health problems that increase mortality and quality of life. Glucomannan is the significant component of konjac corm, which comes from the plant Amorphophallus konjac. Glucomannan is a soluble, fermentable dietary and natural gel-forming fiber and in the last few years, its role as a dietary supplement has been evaluated to access its potential health benefits, namely weight control.

OBJECTIVES:

Evaluate the evidence for or against the efficacy of glucomannan supplement in body weight control and if there’s any health risk related to its intake.

METHODOLOGY:

Data collection was carried out through scientific databases Pubmed and ScienceDirect, using as research expressions: “glucomannan” AND “weight”. The results, preferably from the last ten years, were first analysed by title, then abstract and finally full-text reading.

RESULTS:

Glucomannan promotes a “feeling full” effect due to the water-absorbing capacity of the fiber. It also helps intestinal motility. In the short term, most of the reviews found a significant weight loss in overweight and obese adults, although another study with a greater number of participants found no significant weight loss. In children and adolescents, the studies are scarce. However, they show no effect on bodyweight reduction. The recommended dose for potential beneficial effects in adults is 3g/day.

CONCLUSIONS:

Future trials should have better methodological quality. Until then, glucomannan recommendation for weight loss, although it seems safe in most cases, should not be a first approach nor a priority.

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