Glucomannan

Glucomannan is a water-soluble dietary fiber produced from the roots of the konjac plant. It is commonly used as a treatment for constipation, obesity, hypoglycemia, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type II Diabetes. Though some clinical support has been demonstrated for potential health benefits, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved glucomannan for the treatment of any health condition. Several companies selling products containing glucomannan with either misleading or exaggerated health claims have been censured by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Glucomannan is contained in several dietary supplement products that claim to assist with weight loss. The FTC has disciplined these companies for marketing products without sufficient clinical data to support thse claims.http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2004/06/dietsupp.shtm Companies that have been found in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act include Vitacost, PediaLean, Herbal Worldwide Holdings, and BioTrim.http://www.ftc.gov/os/caselist/0323238/041109cmp0323238.pdf http://www.ftc.gov/os/1998/09/9723157.cmp.htm http://www.ftc.gov/os/adjpro/d9318/0023300part3cmp040616.pdf The Obesity Research Institute, the marketer of Lipozene, agreed to pay consumers $1.5 million to settle FTC claims that their weight loss marketing was in violation of federal law.http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2005/06/fiberthin.shtm

Natural health products with the ingredient glucomannan in either capsule, tablet, or powder form, can cause harm if not consumed with a minimum of eight ounces of water or other fluid. The risks include choking or other throat blockage, as well as potential blockages in the esophagus or intestine. It is also critical that these products not be taken immediately prior to going to bed.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_16-eng.php