Can you take glucomannan while breastfeeding?
What LactMed says
The National Library of Medicine’s own summary, quoted in full. We do not write a verdict of our own on this question, and we do not compress theirs into a label.
Glucomannan is a soluble, highly viscous fiber commonly derived from Amorphophallus konjac root. Glucomannan has no specific lactation-related uses. It is most often used to lower cholesterol, to treat constipation and diabetes, and is contained in products to promote weight loss. No data exist on the safety and efficacy of glucomannan in nursing mothers or infants. However, because glucomannan is not absorbable, it will not reach the breastmilk and is very unlikely to affect the nursing infant.
Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products. More detailed information about dietary supplements is available elsewhere on the LactMed Web site.
Quoted from Glucomannan — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised December 15, 2024.
How much glucomannan gets into breastmilk
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
What has been seen in breastfed infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take glucomannan while breastfeeding?
Glucomannan is a soluble, highly viscous fiber commonly derived from Amorphophallus konjac root. The full record is quoted on this page, and the decision is one to make with the person who prescribed it — LactMed itself states it is not a substitute for professional judgement.
Does glucomannan pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for glucomannan are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking glucomannan?
LactMed does not frame its records that way — it reports measured drug levels in milk and what has been observed in breastfed infants, which is what this page quotes. "Pump and dump" advice for a specific drug and dose should come from your clinician or a pharmacist, not from a general rule.
More on glucomannan
LactMed states that the information it presents is not a substitute for professional judgement, and that you should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. Nothing on this page is medical advice.