Is Glucomannan compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Glucomannan?

Glucomannan

October 9, 2016 (Very Low Risk)

Polysaccharide (mannose and glucose) obtained from Amorphophallus konjac a tuberous plant which is native from Southeast Asia and used in the traditional cuisine of the countries of that region.

Used as dietary fiber with satiating and laxative purposes. There is no a consistent scientific evidence on their effectiveness as a treatment for obesity.
The Commission E of German Ministry of Health has not approved any use.

At latest update no published data on excretion into breast milk were found.
Pharmacokinetic data (high molecular weight and no intestinal absorption) make it extremely unlikely any excretion into breastmilk in significant amounts.

A low-calorie diet and moderate exercise are preferable measures to lose weight.
Many women who breastfeed their infants recover their pre-pregnancy weight sooner than those who do not.

Alternatives

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Devil's Tongue
  • Konjac Flour
  • Konjac Mannan

Writings

  • Amorphophallus konjac (Latin, botanical name)
  • Amorphophallus rivieri (Latin, botanical name)
  • Conophallus konjak (Latin, botanical name)
  • 蒟蒻/菎蒻 (Japanese)

Drug trade names

References

  1. 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. 2015Abstract
  2. 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. 2014Abstract
  3. 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
  4. 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)
  5. Chmielewska A, Horvath A, Dziechciarz P, Szajewska H. Glucomannan is not effective for the treatment of functional constipation in children: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Clin Nutr. 2011Abstract
  6. Keithley J, Swanson B. Glucomannan and obesity: a critical review. Altern Ther Health Med. 2005Abstract
  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. 1996Abstract