In weight control, Konjac Glucomannan has been impressive. Clinical trials (n=180) revealed that the mean weight decreased by 5.2kg (just 1.8kg in the control group) and waist circumference decreased by 7.3cm following 12 weeks’ daily consumption of 3g konjac glucomannan. Its ratio of water absorption expansion was 80-120 times, delayed gastric emptying time to 4.2 hours (control group, 2.5 hours), and increased the score of satiety by 63%. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition cites that eating it in advance before mealtime has reduced calorie intake by 22%, which is 1.8 times the diet fiber control group.
The glucose regulating effect on blood has been scientifically proven. In a diabetes model study, Konjac Glucomannan (1.5g/day) delayed postpranpranal increases in blood sugar by 45 minutes and reduced variability by 34%. In human studies (n=150), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was reduced by 0.9% (control group 0.3%) and the insulin sensitivity index (HOMA-IR) was improved by 0.82. Its viscosity properties (≥35,000mPa·s) can retard the rate of carbohydrate absorption by up to 58%.
Statistics for intestinal well-being improvement are significant. In 200 constipated patients who were administered 4g Konjac Glucomannan daily, frequency of bowel movements increased from 1.8 to 4.2 per week, and colon transit time decreased by 21 hours. Prebiotic action increased bifidobacterium count 3.8 times and pathogenic bacteria (such as Clostridium perfringens) count reduced by 67%. A Japanese study proved that after 6 weeks of continuous intake, the intensity of abdominal pain in IBS patients reduced by 49%.
Cardiovascular protective action was established through various indicators. In hypercholesterolemic patients (n=120) who consumed 3g/ tenjac glucomannan for 8 weeks, total cholesterol declined by 15.7% and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) declined by 23.4%. Bile acid binding capacity is 2.3 times higher compared to normal fiber, and fecal excretion of cholesterol is 41% higher. Tests of arterial elasticity showed enhanced pulse wave conduction velocity (baPWV) by 228cm/s.
Biomimicry of healthy skin functions. A 2% Konjac Glucomannan hydrogel mask reduces transdermal water loss by 28% and cuticle water content by 37%. Clinical tests in 80 patients with atopic dermatitis on the use of a cream with konjac glucomannan reduced the itch score by 53% and erythema area by 41%. Its film-forming capability (thickness ≤0.3mm) can bar 85% of PM2.5 particulates.
Process optimization for increased efficiency. Enzymolysis extraction technology can reach konjac glucomannan purity of 95% (vs. 75% in the conventional process), and production cost is reduced to 12/kg (2018 22). Nanofibrosis treatment (diameter 50-100nm) increases hydration speed to 15 seconds (vs. 2 minutes for the standard product) and increases bioavailability by 3.2 times.
Security authentication is applicable with a wide range of applications. The EU EFSA approved the maximum daily dose of 5g, LD50 > 15g/kg for acute toxicity studies (rats). Drug interaction studies showed that the frequency of warfarin’s anticoagulant action was < 1.5% (change in INR ≤0.2). Clinical studies in pregnant subjects (n=300) showed that 3g/day dose was not found to have any adverse effects and the rate of improvement in constipation was 61%.
Market figures confirm expansion potential. The size of the market of Konjac Glucomannan in the worldwide level will be 820 million in 2023, and dietary supplements hold 5885/kg (food grade $25). 21% yearly increase showed up in consumption in Japan, while products based on Konja are shown among 9 TOP50 health Amazon categories.
From the satiety effect of reducing caloric intake by 22% to improving the vascular elasticity indexes of 228cm/s, Konjac Glucomannan is leading the innovation of the health industry with the physical property of absorbing 300 times water per gram, and the physiological regulation function of multi-targets, and the market size is expected to exceed $1.2 billion in 2025.