Konjac supplements may also expand in your esophagus or bowel and cause an obstruction. The risk is higher if you: Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Glucomannan is generally well-tolerated. However, as with any high fiber product, it may cause digestive problems, such as:

Adding an additional fiber supplement (guar gum or alginate) didn’t have an impact. Konjac and cholesterol Birketvedt GS, et al. (2005). Experiences with three different fiber supplements in weight reduction. You can use konjac as a noodle in stir fry dishes as well as in powder form in baked goods and sauces. A later study found that konjac lowered LDL cholesterol and recommended its use to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Konjac and skin healthAccording to the FDA, some konjac candies have caused choking deaths in older adults and children. This prompted the FDA to issue an import alert for konjac candies. Keithley JK, et al. (2013). Safety and efficacy of glucomannan for weight loss in overweight and moderately obese adults.

Soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels. A diet high in fiber may also help regulate bowel movements, prevent hemorrhoids, and help prevent diverticular disease. Several countries have banned the use of konjac because of the high incidence of bowel or throat obstruction. Children and pregnant or breastfeeding people should not take konjac supplements. Cooking: Konjac can be cooked alone or with other ingredients. For example, it can be used as an auxiliary ingredient in a very famous Chinese dish, spicy crayfish. It can absorb the flavor of spices and soup in the food, which is very delicious.

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Bateni E, et al. (2013). The use of konjac glucomannan hydrolysates (GMH) to improve the health of the skin and reduce acne vulgaris. Konjac is a perennial tuber, mainly cultivated in various parts of Asia. It is rich in fiber, low in calories, and is an ideal choice for a healthy diet. Konjac has a unique texture, similar to jelly, which makes it widely used in various foods. Take konjac with plenty of water, preferably before a meal. There’s no approved, standardized dose of konjac. Recommended dosages vary by manufacturer and what you’re using the konjac for. Chen H-L, et al. (2003). Konjac supplement alleviated hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic subjects — A randomized double-blind trial. Researchers concluded that glucomannan could be an adjuvant (additional) therapy for people with diabetes and high cholesterol.