Glucomannan Interactions Overview

Check For Interactions With Glucomannan

Glucomannan

Also known as
  • Glucomanano
  • Glucomannane
  • Konjac
  • Konjac Mannan
Glucomannan Glucomannan is a type of soluble fiber that comes from the konjac root, which is native to Asia. It is often used as a dietary supplement to promote weight loss and improve digestive health. When glucomannan is mixed with a liquid, it forms a gel-like substance that can help to reduce appetite by promoting a feeling of fullness. It can also help to regulate bowel movements and relieve constipation. Some studies have suggested that glucomannan may be effective for weight loss and it is a common ingredient in weight loss products, such as Lipozene.
There are 1987 drugs known to interact with Glucomannan

Additional Details

Is Glucomannan Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Likely Safe: Glucomannan powder or flour is commonly used in Japanese foods and is safe when consumed as food.

Possibly Safe: When taken orally with at least 250 mL (8 ounces) of water or other fluid, glucomannan has been safely used in studies lasting up to 4 months. The maximum permitted level in foods in the European Union is 10 grams/kg.

Possibly Unsafe: Taking glucomannan products in tablet form without any liquid can lead to choking and obstruction of the esophagus or gastrointestinal tract. Health Canada has issued a safety alert regarding this.

Children: Glucomannan is possibly safe for children when taken orally with enough liquid. However, taking it in tablet form without liquid can lead to esophageal and gastrointestinal obstruction.

Pregnancy and Lactation: Insufficient information is available, so it's best to avoid using glucomannan during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

How Is Glucomannan Thought To Work?

Glucomannan is a high-molecular weight, water-soluble, non-digestible polysaccharide derived from konjac tubers. It is primarily composed of glucose and mannose units. Glucomannan is believed to improve glycemic control by slowing gastric emptying and increasing the viscosity of gastrointestinal contents. It functions as a bulk-forming laxative, increases water absorption by the stools, and reduces mouth-to-cecum transit time. Glucomannan may also have immunomodulatory effects, lipid-lowering effects, and weight loss effects by promoting satiety and fecal energy loss.

Pharmacokinetics

Glucomannan is degraded by enzymes in the feces, resulting in the production of various compounds. It is also fermented by colonic bacteria in the large intestine, leading to the production of short-chain fatty acids and other substances. The optimal pH for the hydrolysis of glucomannan is around 7-8.

Interaction Overview

Interaction with Oral Drugs: Glucomannan may decrease the absorption of orally administered drugs.

Interaction with Supplements: Glucomannan may reduce the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Interactions with Conditions: No known interactions with specific conditions.

Interactions with Lab Tests: No known interactions with lab tests.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

Most Common Adverse Effects (Orally): Abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, and vomiting.

Serious Adverse Effects (Rare, Orally): Choking and esophageal or gastrointestinal obstruction, especially when taken as a dry powder or in tablet form.

Are Glucomannan Supplements Standardized?

In foods, glucomannan powder or flour is used. For medicinal purposes, powdered or encapsulated oral formulations are commonly used. Tablet forms are also available.

Drugs that interact with Glucomannan

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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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