Effect of konjac supplement on the bowl function in healthy and constipated adults

• Main Authors: Yann-Jiu Liu, 劉燕居
• Other Authors: Hsiao-Ling Chen, Ph.D.
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2004
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/18890676947307767513

碩士 === 中山醫學大學 === 營養科學研究所 === 92 === Abstract The main goal of the present study was to evaluate effects of konjac glucomannan supplement（4.5 g/day）on the bowl function and nutritional status of nine healthy and seven constipated adults. The experimental design consisted 3 phases which included the basal phase for 3 weeks、adaptation phase for 1 week and the konjac phase for 3 weeks. All bjects consumed controlled lunch and dinner and self-selective breakfast troughout the study. Carbohydrate, protein and fat contributed 50.3%, 15.2% and 35% of total energy. The mean dietary fiber intake of subjects was 10.1 g/d. During the konjac phase, subjects consumed 4.5 g/day of konjac glucomannan supplement. The blood pressure, anthropometric, and nutritional biochemical parameters were determined before the study and on the last days of basal and konjac phases. The bowel function was monitored daily. Fecal characteristics such as wet and dry stool weights, stool moisture and pH were determined in each period. Konjac glucomannan supplement did not significantly change the anthropometric measurements and blood pressure in both healthy and constipated subjects. The glucomannan supplement effectively reduced serum fasting glucose level（p＜0.05）by 7.1% and 5.1 % in healthy and constipated subjects, respectively. The wet stool weights were significantly increased by 16.7 6.2 % and 19.9 5.9 % by glucomannna in healthy and constipated subjects, respectively. The fecal pH tended to decrease in healthy subjects and significantly decreased in constipatd subjects. Consumption of glucomannnan effectively improved bowl movement, stool output without any adverse effect observed in this study. Therefore, supplementation of glucomannna into low fiber diet may improve bowel movement in healthy men.