The Influence of Glucomannan Intake on the Intestinal Absorption of Trace Elements

Dietary fiber may be useful in treatment of patients with diabets mellitus or hyperlipidemia. However, the influence of dietary fiber on intestinal absorption of trace elements is incompletely defined. Twelve diabetics were given 3.9 or 7.8g of glucomannan daily as a supplement to normal diets for eight to forty weeks. Serum copper levels were slightly decreased during the observation. The changes of serum iron levels varied in different individuals and consistent results were not obtained. Serum magnesium levels were unaltered. Two hours after oral administration of cupric sulfate solution serum copper levels increased to 130% of basal levels in healthy controls, whereas increased to 109% in healthy subjects taken glucomannan before administration of cupric sulfate solution. These observations suggest that the long-term intake of glucomannan may not affect the intestinal absorption of iron and magnesium, and may slightly, not significantly in nutritional problem, disturb the absorption of copper.