Glucomannan Positively Affects LDL Cholesterol

HARTFORD, Conn.—A meta-analysis published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found glucomannan beneficially affects total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, body weight and fasting blood glucose (FBG). (2008;88(4):1167-75).
A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database was conducted from the earliest possible date through November 2007. A random-effects model was used to calculate the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95 percent CIs as the difference between the mean for the glucomannan and control groups. Standard methods for assessing statistical heterogeneity and publication bias were used.
Fourteen studies (n=531) met the inclusion criteria. The use of glucomannan significantly lowered total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, body weight and FBG. The use of glucomannan did not appear to significantly alter any other study endpoints, including high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or blood pressure. Pediatric patients, patients receiving dietary modification and patients with impaired glucose metabolism did not benefit from glucomannan to the same degree.