Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Glucomannan is a water-soluble fiber extracted from konjac root that forms viscous gels in the digestive tract. It promotes weight loss by increasing satiety and slowing gastric emptying, while supporting blood sugar control through delayed carbohydrate absorption.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Glucomannan is a dietary fiber derived from the root of the konjac plant, native to Asia. It is commonly used in supplements and as a food thickener.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Research, including randomized controlled trials, supports glucomannan's effectiveness in weight loss and cholesterol reduction. It is recognized for its ability to absorb water and promote satiety.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Glucomannan is a highly viscous, water-soluble dietary fiber (polysaccharide) derived from the konjac root (Amorphophallus konjac). Macronutrient composition per 100g of konjac flour: dietary fiber 60-80g (predominantly glucomannan), protein 3-5g, carbohydrates 10-15g (net digestible minimal), fat <1g, calories approximately 10-20 kcal due to negligible digestibility. Glucomannan itself is nearly zero-calorie as humans lack the enzyme beta-mannanase to break the beta-1,4 glycosidic linkages. Micronutrients per 100g konjac flour: potassium 300-400mg, calcium 40-60mg, phosphorus 30-50mg, magnesium 20-30mg, iron 1-2mg, zinc 0.5-1mg. Bioactive compounds: glucomannan polysaccharide (primary active compound, molecular weight 200,000-2,000,000 Da) at 40-60% concentration in commercial supplements; mannose-to-glucose ratio approximately 1.6:1 linked via beta-1,4 bonds with beta-1,3 branch points every 50-60 units. Acetyl groups present at roughly 1 per 17 sugar residues, contributing to water solubility. Commercial supplement capsules typically contain 500-1000mg glucomannan per serving. Bioavailability notes: glucomannan is not absorbed in the small intestine; it undergoes partial fermentation by colonic microbiota producing short-chain fatty acids (butyrate, propionate, acetate), yielding approximately 1-2 kcal/g. Water absorption capacity is exceptional at 50-100 times its weight, forming a gel with viscosity of 40,000+ cP at 1% concentration, which is the primary mechanism behind its physiological effects. No significant fat-soluble vitamins present.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Glucomannan absorbs up to 50 times its weight in water, forming highly viscous gels that slow gastric emptying and delay nutrient absorption in the small intestine. This viscosity reduces ghrelin secretion by 20% and increases GLP-1 release, enhancing satiety signals. The fiber also binds bile acids, forcing cholesterol conversion and lowering serum cholesterol levels.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Multiple randomized controlled trials involving over 1,000 participants demonstrate glucomannan's efficacy for weight management. Studies show 2-3 kg additional weight loss over 2-3 months when combined with calorie restriction. Clinical trials using 2-4g daily doses report 7-10% reductions in LDL cholesterol and improved glycemic control in diabetic patients. Evidence quality is moderate, with most studies showing consistent but modest effects.
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