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7 of the best glucomannan supplements reviewed by H&B customers
Glucomannan is a natural, high-fibre substance which is known for its unique ability to absorb water, which is what makes it a popular choice for weight loss. But does it really work? Can it surpass appetite? You can find out everything you need to know, right here.
Our top picks
Vegan capsules
Holland & Barrett
Holland & Barrett Glucomannan 500mg 60 Capsules
€9.99
Vegetarian meal replacement shake
SlimExpert
Holland & Barrett SlimExpert Meal Replacement Shake Chocolate Flavour 540g
18+
€25.99
No added sugar porridge sachets
SlimExpert
Holland & Barrett SlimExpert Golden Syrup Flavour Porridge 10 Sachets
18+
€12.99
Glucomannan has a unique ability to absorb a lot of water, which makes glucomannan supplements a popular choice when it comes to weight management.
In this article we’ll explain what glucomannan is, how it works in your body and which supplements our customers see as the best on the market.
So, read on and get your fill of glucomannan.
What is glucomannan?
Glucomannan is a high in fibre substance which derives from the south-east Asian plant known as the elephant plant, or konjac.
It’s known for its ability to absorb water in the stomach, which is it what makes it a popular weight management aid. This can’t be underestimated, glucomannan has the ability to take on over 50 times its own weight in water, which is extraordinary when you think about it!
Like with any fibre in your diet, glucomannan will help you feel more full after eating but scientifically its capacity to hold water is what really does a lot of the work.
Glucomannan is also known to be used as an additive in foods such as pasta and noodles. It works as a bulking agent which appears as E425 on food labels.1
More commonly, it’s available as a supplement which comes as tablets or glucomannan power which are both easy to take with water.
What does glucomannan do in the body?
Its thought that glucomannan may work work by drawing water into the stomach and intestines by absorbing water to form a bulky fibre, which may help to treat constipation by speeding up the food digestion process through the colon.2
It is also known to help absorbing sugar and cholesterol from the gut, which can in turn help control sugar levels for diabetes and cholesterol levels for obesity.3
Like all soluble fibres, glucomannan is highly absorbent, binding to water to form a gel. This may help by:4
- Reducing appetite by creating a sensation of fullness
- Keeping you fuller for longer by delaying the emptying of the stomach
Does it actually work?
There has been a number of trials that have looked into the effects of glucomannan and how it may help weight loss.
One particular study, which looked into the weight loss of 176 healthy but overweight people on a calorie-controlled diet were either given a different dosage of glucomannan supplement or a placebo, found that there was a definite increase in weight loss in those who were assigned glucomannan.5
However, for the best results glucomannan is best to be taken as part of a healthy, balanced diet and you should not rely upon supplements alone.
How much glucomannan should I take?
According to research, 1g of glucomannan supplement 3 times a day is considered to be a sufficient amount.6
This is lower than usual fibre-based supplements, purely down to the fact that glucomannan.
You should also consider taking any glucomannan supplements between an hour or 15 minutes before a meal, to get the best results.7
What are the side effects of glucomannan?
Generally speaking, glucomannan is considered safe and tolerated by most adults. In more extreme circumstances you may experience side effects such as:
- Bloating
- Flatulence
- Soft stools
- Diarrhoea
7 of the best glucomannan supplements
Now you know what there is to know about glucomannan – what it is, what it does, how it works. What is there left to know, other than what supplements you should be looking to buy?
We’ve gathered together some of best glucomannan products, as chosen by our customers and put them together in a handy review to help you decide which supplement suits you.
Please keep in mind that all of the below cannot be sold to people under the age of 18.
2
For the best results, it’s thought that you should have a daily intake of 3g of glucomannan in three doses of 1g each, together with one to two glasses of water.
So, these H&B 500mg capsules are the perfect way to keep on top of your dosage. Just take two capsules with one to two glasses of water, half an hour before your meal, three times a day and don’t exceed that amount.
What our customers think:
L1989 – Good supplement to support weight loss – 5/5 stars
“Great supplement to support a calorie restricted diet. So far it’s helped me feel fuller for longer, curved my appetite reducing the need to snack between meals. I have lost 1kg in 10 days which is a good pace to ensure it’s sustainable. A balanced diet, keeping active and drinking plenty of water is essential to see actual results!”
AlwaysBean - Glucomannan kudos – 5/5 stars
"Works well when used as directed. I would definitely recommend as a fibre/weight loss supplement."
3
This Holland and Barrett glucomannan weight management supplement is combined with Garcinia Cambogia, a tropical fruit native to south and south-east Asia, including Indonesia, parts of India and Sri Lanka.
This supplement combines both of these sources into one capsule that can be used as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
What our customers think:
Little tiger – Eating aid pills will make you feel full – 5/5 stars
“You should take two pills half an hour before any meal! With a large glass of water. They work well, Those pills are not a magic bullet. They are an aid to make you feel full. You must not overeat. Half your plate size and you must exercise at least an hour a day four times a week. Do all three and the pounds will come off.”
50 something – work for me – 5/5 stars
“Good at making me feel full and taking these keeps me mindful of what I’m eating too.”
4
Chromium helps support and maintain normal blood glucose levels, contributes to normal macronutrient (fat, protein and carbohydrate) metabolism.
As we age our chromium levels tend to drop, which is what makes it an important supplement to add into to your diet.
What our customers think:
Anonymous – Really pleased – 5/5 stars
“Excellent product when used with a calorie controller diet and exercise plan.”
Bunny1956 – it worked for me! – 5/5 stars
“I thought I would give this a go to kick start my diet after lockdown and gaining heaps of weight . The reviews were hit and miss but I decided to go for it and have no regrets as I take one a day in the afternoon with a lot of water and this curbs my appetite so it’s a 5* rating from me.”
5
SlimExpert diet meal replacement shake includes a specialist formula of ingredients that have been scientifically proven to help you lose weight.
Like the above supplements, this shake is an alternative way to get your dose of glucomannan.
Each shake is high-fibre, high-protein and is packed with 23 vitamins and minerals to provide your body with what it needs to thrive every day.
What our customers think
Gordon R – Excellent – 5/5 stars
“Finding this a very good way to lose some weight. Lost 8 pounds first week and 3 in second week.”
Clinically P – Clinically proven – 5/5 stars
“I have tried all the slimbiome products all do the job you will not feel hungry at all so much info on the clinical trials unlike 99% of products slimbiome clinically proven and superb tasting down 3kg in the month brilliant.”
6
That is correct, not only we do a tasty diet meal replacement in strawberry, but we also do it in chocolate too!
You can get all of the same benefits of high-fibre, high-protein and 23 vitamins and minerals in a tasty chocolate flavour!
What our customers think:
Anonymous – Tastes like a milkshake – 5/5 stars
“I love this flavour, very tasty and not too thick, I really enjoy drinking them and they actually work!”
Kirstiemariex – Delicious shakes that keep you full – 5/5 stars
“These shakes are delicious. They keep you full and promote the aid of healthy weight loss. I often don't have time for breakfast so these are a must have in my house. These have busy mum life absolutely sorted :)”
5
Porridge is always a healthy, tasty and satisfying way to start the day, which is why Holland and Barrett SlimExpert have come up with a scientifically backed weight loss aid that will allow you to enjoy your breakfast with additional benefits!
Each bowl of low-calorie porridge contains just 114kcal with 4.5g of fibre to help keep you feeling full, and 8.1g of high-quality protein to support your muscle growth and maintenance.
Not only does it have the added value of glucomannan, chromium and fructooligosaccharides, which are proven to aid weight loss – it also tastes great too!
What our customers think:
LilyPops – Tasty snack – 5/5 stars
“Love love love this porridge!! So tasty and filling. I'm using this as part of the Slim Extreme Plan and I am so impressed by the flavours.”
LM93 – Delicious porridge – 5/5 stars
"Yummiest porridge ever - can’t believe it’s part of a diet! So simple to make and tastes so good, I would eat this even if I wasn’t dieting! They work great as snacks along side the shakes and I’m never left feeling hungry. Really impressed."
The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317995451
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-205/glucomannan
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1467-3010.2007.00603.x
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17027233/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15614200/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16320857/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16320857/
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