Effect of short term administration of konjac glucomannan hydrolysates on adult blood lipid parameters and glucose concentrations

Purpose – This paper aims to evaluate the effect of depolymerised glucomannan in regulating blood lipid and glucose concentrations. Design/methodology/approach – Twenty adult volunteers were recruited. Blood samples were taken at Day 0. The volunteers consumed drinks containing 3.0 g active glucomannan hydrolysates (AMH) for 14 days, after which time blood samples were retaken (Day 15). Blood samples were analysed to determine the blood lipid and glucose concentrations. Findings – The average fasting blood glucose at the start of the trial was 2.54 mmol/L but reduced slightly to 2.49 mmol/L after consumption of the glucomannan. The total average cholesterol at the start of the trial was higher (6.69 mmol/L) than desirable ( < 5.0 mmol/L). This was reduced after consuming the glucomannan to 6.44 mmol/L (3.74 per cent). The triglyceride content was also higher initially than recommended (2.88 mmol/L) but was reduced by 11.5 per cent. The high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was within the desirable range before and after consumption (1.57 and 1.52 mmol/L, respectively), while the average low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was higher than recommended ( < 3.0 mmol/L), representing 4.55 mmol/L and 4.40 mmol/L before and after consumption, respectively. Both parameters were reduced by over 3.0 per cent. The consumption of the glucomannan hydrolysates also reduced the total cholesterol/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios. Originality/value – The AMH was effective in lowering blood cholesterol and glucose concentrations. Consumption of such carbohydrates could prove useful for these physiological disorders. Further studies are desirable to characterise the exact mechanism.