Last update June 24, 2025

Glucomannan

Compatible

Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

Polysaccharide (mannose and glucose) obtained from the tuber of the Amorphophallus konjac plant, native to Southeast Asia and used in traditional cuisine in countries in that region. Used as dietary fibre for satiating and laxative purposes.

At the date of the last update, we found no published data on its excretion in breast milk.

Its pharmacokinetic data (high molecular weight and zero intestinal absorption) make it highly unlikely that it will pass into breast milk in significant quantities.

There is no consistency in the scientific evidence on its effectiveness in the treatment of obesity (Bonetti 2022, Zalewski 2015, Onakpoya 2014, López 2012, Keithley 2005). The German Ministry of Health's Commission E has not approved any use. (Blumenthal 1998)

A low-calorie diet and moderate exercise are preferable for weight loss. Many women who breastfeed regain their pre-pregnancy weight sooner than those who do not breastfeed.

Alternatives

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Glucomannan is also known as


Glucomannan in other languages or writings:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Glucomannan in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 0 %
Molecular weight 200.000 - 2.000.000 daltons

References

  1. Bonetti G, Herbst KL, Donato K, Dhuli K, Kiani AK, Aquilanti B, Velluti V, Matera G, Iaconelli A, Bertelli M. Dietary supplements for obesity. J Prev Med Hyg. 2022 Oct 17;63(2 Suppl 3):E160-E168. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  2. Zalewski BM, Chmielewska A, Szajewska H. The effect of glucomannan on body weight in overweight or obese children and adults: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Nutrition. 2015 Abstract
  3. Onakpoya I, Posadzki P, Ernst E. The efficacy of glucomannan supplementation in overweight and obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. J Am Coll Nutr. 2014 Abstract
  4. López-Regueiro S, Ramos Sáiz EM, López-Picado A, Burgos-Alonso N, Arana-Salaberría, A. Fitoterapia como coadyuvante en el tratamiento de la obesidad. Farmacéuticos Comunitarios 2012; 4(4): 166-174 2012 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. AESAN. Informe del Comité Científico de la Agencia Española de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición (AESAN) sobre condiciones de uso de determinadas sustancias distintas de vitaminas, minerales y plantas para ser empleadas en complementos alimenticios - 1. Revista del comité científico nº 17. 2012 Full text (in our servers)
  6. Keithley J, Swanson B. Glucomannan and obesity: a critical review. Altern Ther Health Med. 2005 Abstract
  7. Signorelli P, Croce P, Dedè A. [A clinical study of the use of a combination of glucomannan with lactulose in the constipation of pregnancy]. Minerva Ginecol. 1996 Abstract

Total visits

33,237

Help us improve this entry

How to cite this entry

Do you need more information or did not found what you were looking for?

   Write us at elactancia.org@gmail.com

e-lactancia is a resource recommended by AELAMA of Spain

Would you like to recommend the use of e-lactancia? Write to us at corporate mail of APILAM