Glucomannan capsules - help with weight loss

Glucomannan capsules provide a faster feeling of satiety. The reason for this is - as the name suggests - the glucomannan fibre it contains. But what is actually behind the satiety capsules? Find out in today's blog post.

General functions of dietary fibre

Fibre is a difficult-to-digest food component that cannot be broken down by the enzymes in the small intestine and therefore reaches the large intestine unchanged. There they are broken down (fermented) by intestinal bacteria. This produces short-chain fatty acids, in particular butyrate, which serves as the main source of energy for the cells of the colon mucosa.

Fibre also has various other positive effects on the body. They improve intestinal activity and thus lead to better digestion, prolong the feeling of satiety, have an influence on carbohydrate metabolism by lowering fasting blood sugar levels or blood sugar levels after eating. Fibre also binds bile acids and thus leads to a lower cholesterol concentration in the blood.

The German Nutrition Society recommends a daily intake of at least 30 g of fibre. For comparison: an apple has a fibre content of around 2.5 g. According to the National Nutrition Survey II, men and women in Germany do not reach the recommended fibre intake. In plant-based foods, fibre is found in fruit, vegetables and pulses as well as in cereals.

The dietary fibre glucomannan - a component of our glucomannan capsules

Glucomannan is a water-soluble dietary fibre and is the main component of the devil's tongue (also known as konjac root), which is native to Asia. The rhizome of konjac root consists of around 40% glucomannan.

As glucomannan is water-soluble, it can bind large amounts of water. It has the highest known water-binding capacity of all dietary fibres and can therefore swell up to 50 times its own volume.
In Germany, konjac glucomannan is therefore known as a thickening or gelling agent under the number E425. The swelling fills the stomach and sends a satiety signal to the brain more quickly. Taken before a meal, Glucomannan capsules lead to less food being eaten.

Note: A full stomach does not determine satiety alone, other mechanisms such as hormones or chemoreceptors in the intestine and liver also influence the satiety signal.

Scientific studies confirm the positive effects of glucomannan on weight loss. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has therefore published the following statement as part of the Health Claims Regulation: "Glucomannan contributes to weight loss as part of a low-calorie diet". It is important that 3 g of glucomannan are taken daily in 3 portions of 1 g each with 2 glasses of water. You should also eat a low-calorie diet.

As described above, fibre has a positive effect on cholesterol levels - glucomannan also binds bile acids. As these are necessary for digestion, the bile acids must be newly formed from cholesterol. This results in a drop in cholesterol levels. From an intake of 4 g glucomannan daily, the following health claim may be used: "Glucomannan contributes to the maintenance of a normal blood cholesterol level". A study conducted in 2008 concluded that glucomannan lowers total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The fibre also has positive effects on body weight.

What should be considered when taking glucomannan capsules?

Taking Glucomannan capsules is completely safe.

The only important thing is that you drink plenty of fluids when taking them to avoid constipation. There is also a risk of choking for people with swallowing difficulties or insufficient fluid intake. The capsules should therefore not be sucked, chewed or bitten into.

Simply take 2 capsules of our Kilopurzler Glucomannan 3 times a day 30-45 minutes before a meal with 2 glasses of water. Our glucomannan capsules are ideal in combination with our meal replacement Kilopurzler Shake.

Sources:

http://www.efsa.europa.eu/de/efsajournal/pub/1798.htm
https://www.dge.de/index.php?id=197&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=74&cHash=de74871cb8220ba3050ddd99040f0831
Sood N, Baker WL and Coleman CI. (2008) Effect of glucomannan on plasma lipid and glucose concentrations, body weight, and blood pressure. Am J Clin Nutr. 88(4): 1167-75.