The Effect of Yacon Consumption on Glycemic Control and Lipid Profiles: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.
- 2025-10-28
- Endocrinology, diabetes & metabolism 8(6)
- Maryam Nilghaz
- Fatemeh Sheikhhossein
- Mahnoush Mehrzad Samarin
- Mohammad Reza Amini
- Mahsa Elahikhah
- Moharam Jalalzadeh
- Maryam Khakbaz
- Negin Lohrasbi
- Sajjad Etesamnia
- Fatemeh Torkizadeh
- Azita Hekmatdoost
- PubMed: 41152200
- DOI: 10.1002/edm2.70121
Study Design
- Type
- Meta-Analysis
- Sample size
- n = 239
- Population
- seven RCTs with 239 participants
- Methods
- Searches were conducted in five databases-PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library-and relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) until June 2024. The random-effects model was employed to compute the effect size, thereafter represented as a weighted mean difference (WMD) and a 95% confidence interval (CI). This study's registration number in PROSPERO is CRD420251028504.
Background
Recent human studies have indicated the beneficial effects of yacon on diabetes and metabolic syndrome; however, no meta-analysis has investigated the effects of yacon on glycemic control and lipid profiles.Methods
Searches were conducted in five databases-PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library-and relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) until June 2024. The random-effects model was employed to compute the effect size, thereafter represented as a weighted mean difference (WMD) and a 95% confidence interval (CI). This study's registration number in PROSPERO is CRD420251028504.Results
This study integrated seven RCTs with 239 participants. The results demonstrated that yacon consumption had no statistically significant effects on fasting blood sugar (FBS, p = 0.33), insulin levels (p = 0.76), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, p = 0.42), total cholesterol (TC, p = 0.17), low-density lipoprotein (LDL, p = 0.12), high-density lipoprotein (HDL, p = 0.42), or triglycerides (TG, p = 0.75). However, subgroup studies indicated that yacon consumption reduced FBS levels over an exceeding 8-week duration in both sexes and in persons over 40. Furthermore, yacon intake resulted in a decrease in LDL-cholesterol levels for more than 8 weeks, particularly in women and individuals over 40. Additionally, it led to a decrease in LDL-cholesterol levels among women and individuals over 40 who consumed yacon for more than 8 weeks, and HDL-cholesterol levels increased in those aged 40 and above.Conclusion
Overall, this meta-analysis indicates that yacon use in adults does not lead to significant improvements in lipid profiles or glycemic parameters.Research Insights
yacon consumption had no statistically significant effects on ... insulin levels (p = 0.76)
- Effect
- Neutral
- Effect size
- Small
yacon consumption had no statistically significant effects on ... high-density lipoprotein (HDL, p = 0.42)
- Effect
- Neutral
- Effect size
- Small
yacon consumption had no statistically significant effects on fasting blood sugar (FBS, p = 0.33)
- Effect
- Neutral
- Effect size
- Small
yacon consumption had no statistically significant effects on ... homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, p = 0.42)
- Effect
- Neutral
- Effect size
- Small
yacon consumption had no statistically significant effects on ... low-density lipoprotein (LDL, p = 0.12)
- Effect
- Neutral
- Effect size
- Small
yacon consumption had no statistically significant effects on ... total cholesterol (TC, p = 0.17)
- Effect
- Neutral
- Effect size
- Small
yacon consumption had no statistically significant effects on ... triglycerides (TG, p = 0.75)
- Effect
- Neutral
- Effect size
- Small