Glucomannan / Amorphophallus konjac

The Basics

What is Glucomannan / Amorphophallus konjac?

Glucomannan is used for constipation, weight loss.

Brand names for Glucomannan / Amorphophallus konjac

Na

How Glucomannan / Amorphophallus konjac is classified

Complementary Therapies, Phytotherapy, Plants, Medicinal

Glucomannan / Amorphophallus konjac During Pregnancy

Glucomannan / Amorphophallus konjac pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Glucomannan / Amorphophallus konjac while pregnant

N/A

Taking Glucomannan / Amorphophallus konjac While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Glucomannan / Amorphophallus konjac?

Glucomannan is a soluble, highly viscous fiber commonly derived from Amorphophallus konjac root. Glucomannan has no specific lactation-related uses. It is most often used to lower cholesterol, to treat constipation and diabetes, and is contained in products to promote weight loss. No data exist on the safety and efficacy of glucomannan in nursing mothers or infants. However, because glucomannan is not absorbable, it will not reach the breastmilk and is very unlikely to affect the nursing infant. Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Glucomannan is a soluble, highly viscous fiber commonly derived from Amorphophallus konjac root. Glucomannan has no specific lactation-related uses. It is most often used to lower cholesterol, to treat constipation and diabetes, and is contained in products to promote weight loss. No data exist on the safety and efficacy of glucomannan in nursing mothers or infants. However, because glucomannan is not absorbable, it will not reach the breastmilk and is very unlikely to affect the nursing infant. Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products.

Possible effects of Glucomannan / Amorphophallus konjac on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Glucomannan / Amorphophallus konjac

None listed