ID 3217 - Glukomannan

PL: Glukomannan
EN: Glucomanan
Pdf: konjac mannan

Oświadczenie (2)

1. Charakterystyka żywności / składnika

The food constituent that is the subject of the health claims is glucomannan. Glucomannan (konjac mannan) is a water-soluble type of fibre composed of a straight chain of β-1→4 D-mannose and D- glucose units in a ratio of 1.6:1 with a small amount of branching (8 %) through β-(1→6)-glucosyl linkages. It is derived from the tuberous roots of the konjac plant (Amorphophallus konjac K. Koch). Glucomannan is non-digestible in the human small intestine. It has a high molecular weight (200-2000 kDa) and high viscosity in water solution. Glucomannan does not occur naturally in foods. It is a food additive used as an emulsifier and a thickener, and is also consumed in the form of food supplements (Katsuraya et al., 2003).
The Panel considers that the food constituent, konjac mannan (glucomannan), which is the subject of the health claims, is sufficiently characterised.

2.4. Utrzymanie prawidłowego stężenia cholesterolu we krwi na czczo (ID 3217)

The claimed effect is “helps to maintain physiological lipid levels in the blood”. The Panel assumes that the target population is the general population.
In the context of the proposed wordings, the Panel assumes that the claimed effect refers to the maintenance of normal (fasting) blood concentrations of triglycerides.
Triglycerides in plasma are either derived from dietary fats or synthesised in the body from other energy sources like carbohydrates. In fasting conditions, serum triglycerides are mainly transported in very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) synthesised in the liver. Excess calorie intake with a meal is converted to triglyceride and transported to the adipose tissue for storage. Hormones regulate the release of triglycerides from adipose tissue in order to meet energy needs between meals. Normal values for blood concentrations of triglycerides have been defined.
The Panel considers that maintenance of normal (fasting) blood concentrations of triglycerides may be a beneficial physiological effect.

2.5. Utrzymanie prawidłowego stężenia cholesterolu we krwi (ID 3100, 3217)

The claimed effects are “helps to maintain physiological lipid levels in the blood” and “heart health”. The Panel assumes that the target population is the general population.
A claim on glucomannan and maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentrations has already been assessed with a favourable outcome (EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA), 2009).

3.4. Utrzymanie prawidłowego stężenia cholesterolu we krwi na czczo (ID 3217)

Among the 22 references cited in the list in relation to this claim, most addressed the effects of food/components other than glucomannan on claimed effects other than blood lipids. The Panel considers that no conclusions can be drawn from these references for the scientific substantiation of the claim.
Seven human studies which reported on the effects of glucomannan intake on blood concentrations of triglycerides have been presented (Vuksan et al., 1999, 2000; Chen et al., 2003; Vido et al., 1993; Walsh et al., 1984; Vita et al., 1992; Wood et al., 2007). The study designs have been described in section 3.1. Only one of the studies (Vita et al., 1992) reported a significant decrease in blood concentrations of triglycerides after consumption of glucomannan compared to placebo at the end of a three-month intervention, whereas five studies did not observe any differences between groups and one study reports a significant increase in the glucomannan group after two months of intervention (Vido et al., 1993).
Two animal studies cited in the list reported on changes in the lipid profile following consumption of glucomannan (Hou et al., 1990; Vorster et al., 1985). The Panel considers that the evidence provided in animal studies is not sufficient to predict the occurrence of an effect of glucomannan consumption on maintenance of normal blood concentrations of triglycerides in humans.
In weighing the evidence, the Panel took into account that only one out of seven studies presented reported a significant decrease in plasma concentrations of triglycerides following consumption of glucomannan.
The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of glucomannan and the maintenance of normal (fasting) blood concentrations of triglycerides.

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