The Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Glucomannan on Plasma Total Cholesterol and Weight in Healthy Women

Abstract

The aim and primary objective of this study was to measure the effects of dietary supplementation with Glucomannan on total plasma cholesterol and weight in healthy women over a 3-week period. The secondary objectives in this study were to measure changes in body composition, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and participant's perceived satiety. Previous studies have failed to examine the effects of Glucomannan on healthy women, giving an appropriate basis on which to conduct this study. In this single-centred, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted at Queen Margaret University Edinburgh, healthy women (n=9) with a body mass index (BMI) of between 18.50kg/m2 and 24.99kg/m2 completed a 3-week period with either 3000mg of Glucomannan per day or 3000mg of Maltodextrin per day (placebo). Participants were encouraged not to change their ordinary diet for the duration of the investigation. After the intervention period there were statistically significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure in the placebo group (p<0.01) with mean -11 ± 4.53 mmHg and in the systolic blood pressure in the Glucomannan group (p<0.05) with mean -7 ± 3.49 mmHg. There were also trends seen in the reduction of weight and cholesterol in the Glucomannan intervention group with means of -0.03 ± 0.28 mmol/L and -0.43 ± 0.5. Compliance was calculated at 85%. No changes in body composition, satiety or diet were observed. No adverse affects were observed. This study concludes that if further research is undertaken and longer intervention periods observed, Glucomannan may represent a rational adjunct to diet therapy in reducing weight and blood pressure in healthy women. Key Words Glucomannan; Weight; Total Plasma Cholesterol; Blood Pressure; Healthy Women