Mannans and health, with a special focus on glucomannans

This review aims to highlight some of the health benefits associated with consuming native and depolymerised glucomannans — especially konjac glucomannans. The mannans provide a number of health benefits in the body. The ability of mannans, especially konjac glucomannans, to prevent specific pathogens including Escherichia coli from adhering to the gut or bladder mucosa is highlighted. Other benefits associated with the local gut environment are discussed together with more systemic effects in and on other organs. The glucomannans could be candidates for use as possible therapeutic tools for the treatment of a range of physiological disorders such as diverticulitis, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. ► Mannans from konjac glucomannans provide health benefits in the body. ► Applications of konjac for gut health can be improved by depolymerisation. ► The depolymerisation promotes utilisation of the glucomannan in and on the body. ► Therapeutic applications of the glucomannans are discussed.