Glucomannan and constipation:
Glucomannan, a water-soluble dietary fiber that is derived from the konjac root, may help treat childhood constipation. The study involved 46 chronically constipated children, each of whom was treated with either glucomannan taken as 100 mg/kg body weight daily (maximal 5 g/day) with 50 mL fluid/500 mg or matching placebo for 4 weeks. Among the 31 children who completed the study (average age was 7 years old), researchers found that glucomannan was more effective in alleviating constipation with 45% of children successfully treated (vs 13% for placebo). Glucomannan also appeared to reduce abdominal pain. (46)