The changes in blood lipid levels and body weight following the supplementation with glucomannan and red yeast rice extract in a small intervention study

Abstract

Glucomannan and red rice extract combined in a dietary supplement could exhibit a synergistic effect in lowering blood lipid levels. We aim to explore the changes in blood lipid levels, and body composition in healthy middle-aged overweight people with mild hypercholesterolemia following the 45-day intake of a dietary supplement containing glucomannan and red rice extract. We present a single-arm non-randomized, non-blind intervention study. In total, 31 participants consumed a dietary supplement containing glucomannan dietary fibers (Konjak glucomannan, E425ii, 4 grams) and red rice extract (Monascus purpureus, 1 gram) for 45 days, without changes in their current diet. Body weight and composition were measured every two weeks. Blood lipids were tested at the beginning and the end of the intervention. After 45 days, there was a significant decrease in total cholesterol (by 16-18%), LDL cholesterol (by 20-24%), and triglyceride levels (by 11-23%) in both genders. In addition, women lost on average about 1 kilogram of body weight, 1.5 kilograms in body fat, and decreased their body mass index by 0.5 kg/m2. In men, body composition did not change. Concurrent use of glucomannan and red yeast rice extract resulted in a significant reduction in blood lipid levels in both genders. It could be a safe and effective treatment option for the population of healthy middle-aged overweight people with mild hypercholesterolemia. Trial registry information. Study protocol was registered under ChiCTR1800016300.