Konjac Glucomannan

PURPOSE: Athletes are at increased risk for functional constipation due to high-intensity training, irregular diets, and disrupted circadian rhythms. Soluble fibers, particularly konjac glucomannan (KGM), have shown potential in alleviating constipation, but clinical evidence, especially in athletes, is limited. This study aimed to assess the effects of an 8-week KGM intervention on gastrointestinal symptoms and gut microbiota in elite male Taekwondo athletes with functional constipation. METHODS: In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, we enrolled male elite Taekwondo athletes diagnosed with functional constipation according to Rome IV criteria. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either KGM supplementation (dietary intervention group, DG) or placebo (control group, CG) for 8 weeks. Primary outcomes included the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM), Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QoL), bowel movement frequency (BMF), Bristol Stool Scale, and the Bowel Function Index (BFI). Stool samples were collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing to evaluate microbial composition and diversity. RESULTS: Compared to the placebo group, the KGM group exhibited significant improvements in PAC-SYM, PAC-QoL, BMF, and BFI scores (p < 0.05 for all). Microbial analysis revealed a marked increase in α-diversity and elevated relative abundances of Prevotella_9, Phascolarctobacterium, Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and members of the Prevotellaceae family, alongside reduced levels of Alistipes and Desulfovibrio. Correlation analyses indicated a strong association between microbial shifts and symptom improvement. Functional predictions further suggested differential expression in microbial metabolic pathways, including upregulation of biotin biosynthesis I and nitrate reduction VI (assimilatory), and downregulation of L-methionine biosynthesis III (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Konjac glucomannan significantly ameliorated gastrointestinal symptoms in elite athletes with functional constipation, potentially via modulation of the gut microbiota. © 2025. Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

The complex interactions between intestinal microbiota and metabolic disorders are well-documented, with implications for glucose metabolism, energy expenditure, and intestinal permeability. Prebiotics induce beneficial changes in gut microbiota composition in prediabetes, while postbiotics can enhance gut barrier function, complementing each other to improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. This study investigated the effects of a 12-week dietary fibre (DF) supplement on gut health, metabolic function, and diet. The supplement contained konjac glucomannan (KGM), galacto-oligosaccharides (GOSs), and exopolysaccharides (EPSs) from Bifidobacterium breve. In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial, 53 prediabetic volunteers were randomly assigned to either a daily DF supplement (YMETA) or a placebo (cellulose microcrystalline) for 12 weeks, followed by a 4-week follow-up. Measurements included gut microbiota composition, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), plasma lipids, anthropometry, body composition, blood pressure, and dietary intake. The intervention group showed a significant increase in alpha diversity and butyrate-producing bacteria, with reductions in HbA1c and FPG levels below prediabetes thresholds. No significant changes were observed in the placebo group. This study suggests that manipulating the human gut microbiome through dietary interventions could be a promising therapeutic approach to managing prediabetes and preventing or delaying diabetes.

Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a herbal medicine with benefits in appetite control, body weight and biochemical parameters in overweight individuals. The objective of our work was to evaluate the effect of the consumption of gummy candy enriched with KGM on appetite, to evaluate anthropometric data, biochemical and oxidative stress markers in overweight individuals. Forty-two participants aged 18 to 45 years completed our randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Participants were randomly assigned to consume for fourteen days, 2 candies per day, containing 250 mg of KGM or identical-looking placebo candy with 250 mg of flaxseed meal, shortly after breakfast and dinner. As a result, we observed that there was a reduction in waist circumference and in the intensity of hunger/satisfaction of the participants who consumed KGM for fourteen days, and we believe that a longer consumption time as well as an increase dose of KGM contribute to even more satisfactory body results.

In a recent study, we showed that konjac glucomannan (KGM) inhibits rice gruel-induced postprandial increases in plasma glucose and insulin levels. To extend this research, we investigated the effects of KGM addition to rice gruel on pre- and postprandial concentrations of circulating lipoprotein lipase (LPL), glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein-binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1), hepatic triglyceride lipase (HTGL), free fatty acids (FFA), and triglycerides (TG). A total of 13 Japanese men, without diabetes, dyslipidemia, or gastrointestinal diseases, interchangeably ingested rice gruel containing no KGM (0%G), rice gruel supplemented with 0.4% KGM (0.4%G), and rice gruel supplemented with 0.8% KGM (0.8%G), every Sunday for 3 weeks. Blood samples were obtained at baseline and at 30, 60, and 120 min after ingestion to measure the abovementioned lipid parameters. Lipid parameters showed small, but significant, changes. Significant reductions were found in circulating FFA levels among all participants. Circulating TG levels significantly declined at 30 min and then remained nearly constant in the 0.8%G group but exhibited no significant difference in the 0%G and 0.4%G groups. Although circulating levels of LPL and GPIHBP1 significantly decreased in the 0%G and 0.4%G groups, they increased at 120 min in the 0.8%G group. Participants in the 0%G and 0.4%G groups showed significant decreases in circulating HTGL levels, which was not observed in the 0.8%G group. Our results demonstrate the novel pleiotropic effects of KGM. Supplementation of rice gruel with KGM powder led to TG reduction accompanied by LPL and GPIHBP1 elevation and HTGL stabilization, thereby attenuating TG metabolism.

Effective management of acute wounds, particularly those caused by burns and trauma, remains a significant clinical challenge. Conventional formulations, such as ointments, creams, and hydrogels, often face challenges related to stability, portability, and patient compliance. To address these limitations, we developed a novel bi-layered skin tablet system using direct compression for immediate application to topical wounds. The upper protective layer contains konjac glucomannan as a gelling agent and oleic acid as a permeability enhancer. The lower therapeutic layer includes a synergistic combination of clindamycin hydrochloride (CLC), benzalkonium chloride (BKC), and recombinant human mitsugumin 53 (rhMG53), a membrane repair protein. rhMG53 was repurposed for acute wound healing at a reduced dosage to maintain therapeutic efficacy while improving cost efficiency. The formulation was optimized to achieve controlled release of rhMG53 for wound repair and of CLC and BKC for antibacterial activity. The synergistic interaction between CLC and BKC (Index 1.2) enhanced broad-spectrum antibacterial efficacy. The prepared tablets underwent in-vitro testing for hardness, swelling index, content uniformity, drug release, and stability. The rhMG53 containing formulation demonstrated consistent drug loading (98.5%, RSD < 6%), prolonged release, and effective wound healing in cell-based tests. The tablet form improves portability, stability, and ease of application compared with conventional remedies. This bi-layered skin tablet system represents a promising therapeutic strategy for acute wound management, particularly in emergency and military settings where lightweight, ready-to-use treatments are critically needed. © 2026. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.

The synergistic interaction between xanthan and glucomannan in solution and in the gel phase has been studied by circular dichroism spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The study in solution of the polysaccharidic mixture indicates a preferred stoichiometry of the interaction corresponding to a weight fraction of xanthan around 0.55. This finding is in reasonable agreement with the differential scanning calorimetry measurements carried out on the gel phase. Models from conformational analysis based on these results were formulated in terms of 1:1 and 2:1 Konjac glucomannan/xanthan molecular assemblies. The experimental and calculation results clearly indicate the involvement of the side chains of xanthan and suggest that the ordered portions of the macromolecular complex in solution act in the gel phase as junction zones. Effect of deacetylation on the synergistic interaction of acetan with locust bean gum or konjac mannan. Ojinnaka C(1), Brownsey GJ, Morris ER, Morris VJ. Author information: (1)Cranfield University, Silsoe College, Bedford, UK. It has been discovered that deacetylation of the bacterial polysaccharide acetan promotes synergistic interactions with either locust bean gum (LBG) or konjac mannan (KM). Acetan is similar in structure to xanthan, and adopts a similar 5-fold conformation in the solid state. Like xanthan, it shows a thermally reversible order (helix)-disorder (coil) transition in solution. Both polymers have a cellulosic backbone with charged (anionic) sidechains attached at O-3 of alternate glucosyl residues, but the sidechains in acetan are longer (pentasaccharide rather than trisaccharide) and do not contain pyruvic substituents. Acetan has two sites of acetylation, one at O-6 of the inner mannosyl residue of the carbohydrate sidechains (as in xanthan) and the other on the polymer backbone (believed to be at O-6 of the branched glucosyl residues). Solutions of acetan or deacetylated acetan were equilibrated against 10 mM potassium chloride (to stabilise the ordered conformation) and were mixed (at 25 degrees C) with solutions of LBG or KM, also equilibrated against 10 mM potassium chloride. Unlike xanthan, native ac

Background: Evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggests the consumption of konjac glucomannan (KJM), a viscous soluble fiber, for improving LDL-cholesterol concentrations. It has also been suggested that the cholesterol-lowering potential of KJM may be greater than that of other fibers. However, trials have been relatively scarce and limited in sample size and duration, and the effect estimates have been inconsistent. The effect of KJM on new lipid targets of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is also unknown.Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effect of KJM on LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B.Design: Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central databases were searched. We included RCTs with a follow-up of ≥3 wk that assessed the effect of KJM on LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, or apolipoprotein B. Data were pooled by using the generic inverse-variance method with random-effects models and expressed as mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs. Heterogeneity was assessed by the Cochran Q statistic and quantified by the I2 statistic.Results: Twelve studies (n = 370), 8 in adults and 4 in children, met the inclusion criteria. KJM significantly lowered LDL cholesterol (MD: -0.35 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.46, -0.25 mmol/L) and non-HDL cholesterol (MD: -0.32 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.46, -0.19 mmol/L). Data from 6 trials suggested no impact of KJM on apolipoprotein B.Conclusions: Our findings support the intake of ∼3 g KJM/d for reductions in LDL cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol of 10% and 7%, respectively. The information may be of interest to health agencies in crafting future dietary recommendations related to reduction in CVD risk. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02068248. © 2017 American Society for Nutrition.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity result from excessive fat accumulation and pose significant global health challenges linked to various diseases. Recent research suggests that gut microbiota, particularly dysbiosis, is vital in obesity development. Next-generation probiotics, especially Akkermansia muciniphila, alongside compounds found in green tea extract and konjac glucomannan, offer promise in obesity management by enhancing gut microbiota balance and metabolic function. This research investigates a unique supplement that integrates these elements, proposing that it will outperform lifestyle changes alone in improving anthropometric measures, body composition, metabolic metrics, blood pressure, and appetite among overweight or obese adults. METHODS: This study will include 72 overweight or obese patients, who will be randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group within a randomized, triple-blind controlled clinical trial. The intervention group will consume 2 g of beverage sachets containing pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila, green tea extract, and konjac glucomannan three times daily. In comparison, the control group will take 2 g of microcrystalline cellulose three times daily for 8 weeks. Evaluations of anthropometry (body mass index, waist and hip circumference), body composition (fat mass, fat-free mass, total body water, etc.), appetite using a visual analogue scale, blood pressure, and biochemical parameters including fasting blood glucose (FBS), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low- and high-density lipoprotein (LDL and HDL) will be conducted. DISCUSSION: The results of this study will provide evidence for the synergistic effects of Akkermansia muciniphila combined with prebiotics in the management of obesity and its associated metabolic states. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20250222064807N2) (2025/03/26). © 2025. The Author(s).

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of a chromium-enriched glucomannan-fructooligosaccharide complex (SB) on glycaemic and insulin responses, satiation, and hunger biomarkers in healthy adults. METHODS: Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised crossover design, we assessed the acute impact of a single 3 g SB dose in 16 healthy adults (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2) during a modified oral glucose tolerance test. On separate days, participants consumed 50 g dextrose or 50 g dextrose with 3 g SB (SBD). Blood glucose and insulin were analysed over 2.5 h. Hunger, fullness, and desire to eat were assessed via visual analogue scales. Additionally, the impact of SB on gastric viscosity was assessed in vitro. RESULTS: SBD intake significantly reduced the insulin concentration compared to dextrose alone at 45, 75, and 90 min post-intake. Additionally, SBD resulted in significantly greater fullness and a lower desire to eat at 75 min when compared to dextrose (p < 0.05). Although hunger increased over time for both interventions, SBD led to lower hunger, desire to eat, and food desire scores compared to dextrose at 150 min (p < 0.05). The viscosity of SB, even when combined with dextrose, was significantly higher compared to dextrose alone. CONCLUSIONS: These novel findings suggest that SB can modulate insulin response and influence appetite regulation, highlighting its potential use in weight management strategies. © 2025. The Author(s).

BACKGROUND: Glucomannan has been studied for various health benefits, but its effects on lipid profile in adults are not well understood. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the impact of glucomannan supplementation on serum/plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), Apo B1, Apo A1, APO-B/ A1 ratio, and LDL-C/ HDL-C in adults. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted across Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from inception to June 2024 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing glucomannan supplementation on lipid profile in adults. Data were extracted and analyzed using random effects model to determine the standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each biomarker. RESULTS: Glucomannan supplementation significantly decreased TC (SMD: -3.299; 95% CI: -4.955, -1.664, P < 0.001; I 2 = 95.41%, P-heterogeneity < 0.001), LDL-C (SMD: -2.993; 95% CI: -4.958, -1.028; P = 0.006; I 2 = 95.49%, P-heterogeneity < 0.001), and Apo B1 (SMD: -2.2; 95% CI: -3.58, -0.82; P = 0.01). However, glucomannan did not alter the levels of TG (SMD: -0.119; 95% CI: -1.076, 0.837, P = 0.789; I 2 = 91.63%, P-heterogeneity < 0.001), Apo A1 (SMD: -0.48; 95% CI: -6.27, 5.32; P = 0.76), APO-B/ A1 ratio (SMD: -1.15; 95% CI: -2.91, 0.61; P = 0.11), and LDL-C/ HDL-C ratio (SMD: -2.2; 95% CI: -7.28, 2.87; P = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: Glucomannan supplementation has a beneficial effect on the level of TC and LDL-C. © 2024. The Author(s).

This study aimed to determine the impact of a fiber supplement on body weight and composition in individuals with obesity with specific genetic polymorphisms. It involved 112 adults with obesity, each with at least one minor allele in the FTO, LEP, LEPR, or MC4R polymorphism. Participants were randomized to receive either a fiber supplement (glucomannan, inulin, and psyllium) or a placebo for 180 days. The experimental group showed significant reductions in body weight (treatment difference: -4.9%; 95% CI: -6.9% to -2.9%; p < 0.01) and BMI (treatment difference: -1.4 kg/m2; 95% CI: -1.7 to -1.2; p < 0.01) compared to placebo. Further significant decreases in fat mass (treatment difference: -13.0%; 95% CI: -14.4 to -11.7; p < 0.01) and visceral fat rating (treatment difference: -1.3; 95% CI: -1.6 to -1.0; p < 0.01) were noted. Homozygous minor allele carriers experienced greater decreases in body weight (treatment difference: -3.2%; 95% CI: -4.9% to -1.6%; p < 0.01) and BMI (treatment difference: -1.2 kg/m2; 95% CI: -2.0 to -0.4; p < 0.01) compared to heterozygous allele carriers. These carriers also had a more significant reduction in fat mass (treatment difference: -9.8%; 95% CI: -10.6 to -9.1; p < 0.01) and visceral fat rating (treatment difference: -0.9; 95% CI: -1.3 to -0.5; p < 0.01). A high incidence of gastrointestinal events was reported in the experimental group (74.6%), unlike the placebo group, which reported no side effects. Dietary supplementation with glucomannan, inulin, and psyllium effectively promotes weight loss and improves body composition in individuals with obesity, particularly those with specific genetic polymorphisms.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with cardiovascular risk factors, such as insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and abdominal obesity. Given the growing need to investigate food supplements with positive health effects, this study was aimed at testing the benefits of a specific supplement for people with MetS. Fifty-eight subjects with MetS and T2DM or impaired glucose tolerance assuming metformin, were randomly assigned to take a food supplement of glucomannan, D-chiro-inositol, Cinnamomum zeylanicum blume and inulin at a daily fixed dose of 4 g orally for four months. Body weight, waist circumference, plasma lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglyc-erides), plasma glycaemic profile and visceral adiposity index (VAI) were measured at baseline and after four months of supplementation. After 16 weeks, in subjects with T2DM or insulin resistance who took the supplement (+ metformin), there was a significant reduction in body weight and BMI (p < 0.0001), serum insulin (p < 0.05) and the HOMA index (p < 0.01), as well as in the lipaemic pattern, with a significant improvement in total serum cholesterol (p < 0.005), triglycerides (p < 0.03) and LDL (p < 0.02). Our study shows that the food supplement tested is a valid and safe alternative therapeutic approach in the management of MetS and all its resulting risk factors, as its efficacy has been demonstrated across anthropometric, glucose, lipid and hepatic parameters.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to synthesise evidence on the efficacy of dietary supplements containing isolated organic compounds for weight loss. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Four electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cinahl) were searched until December 2019. Sixty-seven randomised placebo-controlled trials of dietary supplements containing isolated organic compounds for weight loss were included. Meta-analyses were conducted for chitosan, glucomannan, conjugated linoleic acid and fructans, comparing mean weight difference post-intervention between participants receiving the dietary supplement or placebo. RESULTS: Statistically significant weight differences compared to placebo were observed for chitosan (-1.84 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI] -2.79, -0.88; p < 0.01), glucomannan (-1.27 kg; 95%CI -2.45, -0.09; p = 0.04), and conjugated linoleic acid (-1.08 kg; 95%CI -1.61, -0.55; p < 0.01). None met our threshold for clinical significance (≥2.5 kg). There was no statistically significant effect on weight for fructans compared to placebo (p = 0.24). For dietary supplements with an inadequate number of trials for meta-analysis, a statistically and borderline clinically significant weight difference compared to placebo was found for modified cellulose, manno-oligosaccharides (in males), blood orange juice extract, and three multiple-ingredient dietary supplements. These were only reported in one trial of each. Thus, more evidence is needed before recommending them for weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: While some dietary supplements containing isolated organic compounds warrant further investigation to determine efficacy and safety, there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend any of these dietary supplements for weight loss. © 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of water-soluble dietary fiber, glucomannan supplementation, on the body mass index (BMI) in children with overweight or obesity. STUDY DESIGN: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we enrolled 96 children aged 6-17 years with overweight or obesity based on the World Health Organization growth criteria (>+1 SD or >+2 SD, respectively). Participants were assigned to receive glucomannan or placebo (maltodextrin), both at a dose of 3 g/d for 12 weeks and were followed up for the next 12 weeks. Concomitant care included dietary and lifestyle advice. The primary outcome was the difference in the BMI-for-age z score change between the groups at 12 weeks. RESULTS: Compared with the placebo, glucomannan had no effect on the BMI-for-age z score at 12 weeks (mean difference: 0.0, 95% CI -0.1 to 0.1). Compared with the placebo, the glucomannan group had lower total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations at 12 weeks. In addition, the blood pressure was greater at 12 weeks (systolic) and at 24 weeks (diastolic) in the glucomannan group. No differences between the groups in adverse events and other secondary outcomes were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Glucomannan supplementation compared with placebo had no effect on weight reduction in children with overweight and obesity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.govNCT02280772.

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a 4-week-long consumption of glucomannan-enriched, aronia juice-based supplement on anthropometric parameters, membrane fatty acid profile, and status of antioxidant enzymes in erythrocytes obtained from postmenopausal women with abdominal obesity. Twenty women aged 45-65 with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 36.1 ± 4.4 kg/m(2) and waist circumference of 104.8 ± 10.1 cm were enrolled. Participants were instructed to consume 100 mL of supplement per day as part of their regular diet. A significant increase in the content of n-3 (P < 0.05) polyunsaturated fatty acids in membrane phospholipids was observed, with a marked increase in the level of docosahexaenoic fatty acid (P < 0.05). Accordingly, a decrease in the n-6 and n-3 fatty acids ratio was observed (P < 0.05). The observed effects were accompanied with an increase in glutathione peroxidase activity (P < 0.05). Values for BMI (P < 0.001), waist circumference (P < 0.001), and systolic blood pressure (P < 0.05) were significantly lower after the intervention. The obtained results indicate a positive impact of tested supplement on cellular oxidative damage, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices of obesity.

OBJECTIVE: Certain plant polysaccharides may provide psychological health benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether they can acutely improve mood and cognitive function. METHOD: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, between subjects design trial, 73 middle-aged adults consumed 4 g of a proprietary mixture of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) (Ambrotose® complex), a rice flour placebo, or a sucrose control. Participants completed testing at baseline and 30 minutes post-consumption. Acute effects of consumption on mood, cognition, and blood glucose were evaluated during mental tests designed to induce mental fatigue. RESULTS: Significant improvement in recognition and working memory performance was observed in the group that consumed NSP compared with placebo or sucrose. Improvements in memory performance following NSP intake were independent of changes in blood glucose. DISCUSSION: This is the first report of acute behavioural improvement following plant polysaccharide intake in healthy middle-aged adults under conditions of mental fatigue. The findings suggest that certain NSP may enhance memory performance through mechanisms other than elevated blood glucose.

BACKGROUND: Few safe and effective dietary supplements are available to promote weight loss. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of glucomannan, a water-soluble fiber supplement, for achieving weight loss in overweight and moderately obese individuals consuming self-selected diets. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to take 1.33 grams of glucomannan or identically looking placebo capsules with 236.6 mL (8 ounces) of water one hour before breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 8 weeks. The primary efficacy outcome was change in body weight after 8 weeks. Other efficacy outcomes were changes in body composition, hunger/fullness, and lipid and glucose concentrations. Safety outcomes included gastrointestinal symptoms/tolerance and serum liver enzymes and creatinine levels. RESULTS: A total of 53 participants (18-65 years of age; BMI 25-35 kg/m²) were enrolled and randomized. The two groups did not differ with respect to baseline characteristics and compliance with the study supplement. At 8 weeks, there was no significant difference between the glucomannan and placebo groups in amount of weight loss (-.40 ± .06 and -.43 ± .07, resp.) or other efficacy outcomes or in any of the safety outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Glucomannan supplements administered over 8 weeks were well tolerated but did not promote weight loss or significantly alter body composition, hunger/fullness, or lipid and glucose parameters. This trial is registered with NCT00613600.

Schizothorax prenanti is an important existemic commercial fish in River Yangtze. OKGM (Oxidized Konjac glucomannan) is a kind of polysaccharide oxidative degraded from KGM. Added 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000 mg/kg OKGM into the diets of S. prenanti. After 60 days feeding trial, WGR (weight gain rate), SGR (specific growth rate), PER (protein efficiency ratio) of groups fed the diet with 8000 mg/kg OKGM was all significantly (P < 0.05) higher; FCR (feed conversion ratio) was significantly lower than the control group whose diet have no OKGM. Hepatopancreas index, spleen index of group 6 whose feed added 8000 mg/kg OKGM were significantly higher and gallbladder index was significantly lower than the control group. Erythrocyte number, leukocyte number of group 5, 6 whose feed added 4000, 8000 mg/kg OKGM were excellent significantly (P < 0.01) more than the control group. At the same time, Erythrocyte phagocytic rate, erythrocyte phagocytic index, neutrophilic granulocyte phagocytic rate, neutrophilic granulocyte phagocytic index of all the groups whose diet added OKGM were significantly higher than the control group. Content of IgM, C3 of group 4 whose feed added 2000 mg/kg OKGM were significantly more than the control group. As for activity of CAT, group 6 was significantly higher than the control group. When compared activity of SOD, group 6 was significantly higher than group 1, 2, 3. Accordingly, activity of GSH-Px of group 3, 4, 5, 6 were significantly higher than the control group. On the contrary, content of MDA, group 3, 4, 5, 6 whose feed added 1000-8000 mg/kg OKGM was excellent significantly lower than the control group. After injected Aeromonas hydrophila 21 days, only group 6 whose feed added 8000 mg/kg OKGM survived excellent significantly more than the control group. So we can draw a conclusion of that added OKGM in the diets of S. prenanti, not only promoted growth, but also improved immune function, and the best dose was 8000 mg/kg in this experiment.

OBJECTIVE: Primary dyslipidemias are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and should be addressed early in life. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in children affected by primary hypercholesterolemia, the efficacy and tolerability of a short-term treatment with a dietary supplement containing glucomannan. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial was conducted in 36 children (aged 6-15 years) affected by primary hypercholesterolemia. After a 4-week run-in period with dietary counseling, children received glucomannan or placebo twice-daily for 8 weeks, separated by a 4-week washout period. Lipid profile was assessed at baseline and after each treatment period. RESULTS: Glucomannan significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) by 5.1% (p = 0.008), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels by 7.3% (p = 0.008) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 7.2% (p = 0.002) as compared with placebo. No significant differences were observed in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, Apolipoprotein B, and Apolipoprotein A-I concentrations. According to sex, glucomannan significantly reduced in females, but not in males, TC (-6.1%, p = 0.011) and LDL cholesterol (-9%, p = 0.015). No major adverse effects were recorded and only few patients experienced transitory intestinal discomfort. CONCLUSION: Treatment with glucomannan of children affected by primary dyslipidemia is well-tolerated and effectively lowers total and LDL cholesterol in females and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, but not Apolipoprotein B in both males and females.