Discussion
While a healthy diet and regular exercise are essential for maintaining overall health and healthy body composition, incorporating supplementary soluble fiber can offer additional benefits. When selecting a fiber supplement, it is important to consider various factors such as the fiber’s origin, purity, viscosity, and its stability once ingested. Each type of fiber is unique, and even a single source can vary significantly in quality. Amorphophallus konjac, a tuberous plant, is a notable example—it is a rich source of the soluble fiber glucomannan. This fiber is especially effective due to its exceptional water-absorbing capacity and is recognized as one of the most viscous dietary fibers available. [1]
Not All Glucomannans Are Created Equal
Several factors influence the quality of glucomannan as an end product. These include the specific konjac species used, the geographical location and timing of harvesting, the production process, and the presence of impurities such as sulfites. Additional variables—such as viscosity, how viscosity responds to different pH levels and temperatures, and the speed of hydration—also significantly affect product performance. Therefore, it is important to choose glucomannan sourced from materials backed by extensive manufacturing experience and scientific research. [1].
Propol® A Propolmannan
Shimizu Chemical Corporation is a pioneer in the field of dietary fiber and its associated health benefits. Drawing on over 300 years of expertise in processing raw materials—specifically the Japanese Amorphophallus konjac species—and extracting glucomannan, Shimizu has developed Propol A propolmannan, a highly purified form of glucomannan. The company employs a unique, proprietary three-stage purification process conducted in large-scale extraction facilities. This process includes pulverizing the Amorphophallus tubers, isolating mannan-glucose particles, and polishing these particles to dislodge and remove harmful materials that may adhere to them. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, Propol A is reduced to a special particle size that optimizes density while maintaining a desirable viscous form. The result is a pure, refined, high-performance Amorphophallus propolmannan that enhances product solubility, stability, and overall functionality. [1].
 
Viscosity and Stability Through the Digestive Tract
Viscosity is a physicochemical property of soluble fiber that reflects the fiber’s ability to thicken as it mixes with fluid. It is a recognized factor influencing physiological responses to soluble fiber.[2] Propol A features an extremely high viscosity (100,000 mPa·s), which is believed to contribute significantly to its health benefits.[1] Additionally, thanks to its unique processing, Propol A remains intact throughout the digestive tract—another key factor in fiber functionality. The combination of viscosity and stability results in a highly effective material that, once in the digestive tract, attracts water and forms a viscous, gel-like substance. This gel slows digestion, delays the emptying of food from the stomach into the small intestine, slows the absorption of carbohydrates and fats into the bloodstream, binds to bile acids, and impedes dietary fat absorption.*[3,4]
Satiety and Weight Control
Soluble fiber is known to act as a bulking agent in the stomach and intestine, helping create feelings of fullness and signaling the body to reduce food intake. [2,3,5,6] Studies suggest that glucomannan supplementation can significantly reduce body weight when taken at doses of 3 g/d to 4 g/d.
DIRECTIONS:
Take three to six capsules once daily, or take three capsules 30 to 60 minutes before each of your two largest meals, or as directed by your healthcare professional. Consult your healthcare professional prior to use. Individuals taking medication, especially hypoglycemic agents, should discuss potential interactions with their healthcare professional. Do not use if tamper seal is damaged.
STORAGE:
Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.
FORMULATED TO EXCLUDE:
Wheat, gluten, corn, yeast, soy, animal and dairy products, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, and artificial preservatives.
 
Clinical Applications
»Supports Satiety*
»Supports Weight Control*
»Supports Glucose Metabolism*
»Supports Cholesterol Metabolism*
»SupportsHealthy Bowel Movements*
»Serves as a Prebiotic for Intestinal Bacteria*
MegaFiber Lean features Shimizu Propol® A propolmannan — a highly pure, natural soluble fiber derived from Amorphophallus konjac glucomannan using proprietary processing techniques. This fiber is noted for its high viscosity and stability through the digestive tract. Research supports its benefits on satiety, weight control, glucose and lipid metabolism, and bowel regularity.
References
 
Fiber Research International LLC. Propol comparison to different glucomannans, manufacturing, and Propol comparison to other fibers. Published June 2015. Accessed November 20, 2015. Available at: http://www.fiberresearchinternational.com
Kristensen M, Jensen MG. Dietary fibres in the regulation of appetite and food intake: Importance of viscosity. Appetite. 2011 Feb;56(1):65-70. [PMID: 21115081]
Walsh DE, Yaghoubian V, Behforooz A. Effect of glucomannan on obese patients: a clinical study. Int J Obes. 1984;8(4):289-93. [PMID: 6096282]
Doi K, Nakamura T, Aoyama N, et al. Metabolic and nutritional effects of long-term use of glucomannan in the treatment of obese diabetics. In: Oomura Y, Tarue S, Inoue S, Shimazu T, eds. Progress in Obesity Research 1990. London: John Libbey; 1991:507-14. [On file]
Keithley J, Swanson B. Glucomannan and obesity: a critical review. Altern Ther Health Med. 2005 Nov-Dec;11(6):30-34. [PMID: 16320857]
Burton-Freeman B. Dietary fiber and energy regulation. J Nutr. 2000 Feb;130(2S Suppl):272S-75S. [PMID: 10721886]