Glucomannan is a water-soluble dietary fibre, which is made from the root of the konjac plant, or the elephant yam as it is sometimes known.
Glucomannan takes up space within your stomach which makes you feel fuller, thereby reducing the amount of food you eat at your next meal, which can contribute to weight loss. This beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 3 g of glucomannan in three doses of 1 g each, together with 1-2 glasses of water, before meals and in the context of an energy-restricted diet.
Glucomannan is available as a weight management supplement and can come in powder form or as capsules. It is also used to make food products such as pasta and flour, to make lower carb alternatives.