Glucomannan causes 3 lbs loss in one month without dieting, 5 lbs loss with dieting

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Thursday, June 17, 2010 9:07 am Email this article
Hypertensive patients given 1,000 mg of glucomannan three times a day before meals lost 3.1 pounds in one month compared to a weight loss of 5.3 pounds for those given glucomannan in addition to a low-calorie diet versus an average loss of 0.4 pounds for those taking a placebo according to one study.

“A dietary supplement, such as glucomannan, is therefore useful as a natural obstacle to nutrient intake in maintaining energy balance and in the management of overweight,” the researchers concluded (Reffo et al, 1988, p. 758).

Doctors knew who got glucomannan, patients did not

The study was a single-blind study. That is the doctor knew who was given the glucomannan and who was given the placebo, however the subjects did not.

Low calorie diet of 1000 to 1800 calories per day

Subjects that were given glucomannan in addition to a low calorie diet were put on a diet of 1000 to 1800 calories per day.

Dose: 1,000 mg three times a day one hour before meals

Subjects were given 1 gram of glucomannan (1,000 mg) with a glass of water three times per day one hour before meals for a total of 3 grams (3,000 mg) per day.

Duration: One month

The study lasted one month (four weeks).

Subjects: 10 men, 21 women

The study included 31 hypertensive patients (10 men and 21 women) ranging from 23- to 66-years-old with an average of 52-years-old. All subjects were on chronic antihypertensive medication.

Cholesterol fell 10-13%

Total cholesterol fell 10 percent in the glucomannan group and 13 percent in the glucomannan plus low calorie diet group.

Triglycerides fell 14-36%

Triglycerides fell 14 percent in the glucomannan group and 36 percent in the glucomannan plus low calorie diet group.

Some patients noted a reduction in appetite

Ten patients taking glucomannan reported a definite satiating effect.

Constipation relieved in some people

Five patients taking glucomannan who previously suffered from constipation reported that glucomannan was helpful.

Side effects: Diarrhea initially in a few patients

Three patients taking glucomannan reported diarrhea when they first taking the supplement, but this side effect disappeared with continued use.

How it works

Dietary fiber lowers body weight, cholesterol and triglycerides by forming a gel, which induces a satiating effect, decreases the rate of gastric emptying, reduces blood sugar and insulin levels following a meal and reduces the number of calories that are absorbed according to Reffo et al (1988).

REFERENCE

Reffo GC, Ghirardi PE, Forattini C. Glucomannan in hypertensive outpatients pilot clinical trial. Current Therapeutic Research. 1988, 44(1):22-27.

AUTHOR’S CONTACT INFORMATION

G. C. Reffo
Divisione Di Med
Ospedale Civile Di Monselice
Monselice, Padova, Italy

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