Yacon syrup: beneficial effects on obesity and insulin resistance in humans.

2009-04
Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) 28(2)
- Susana Genta
- Wilfredo Cabrera
- Natalia Habib
- Juan Pons
- Iván Manrique Carillo
- Alfredo Grau
- Sara Sánchez

PubMed: 19254816
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2009.01.013

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population: Obese and slightly dyslipidemic pre-menopausal women
Methods: double-blind placebo-controlled experiment, two doses of yacon syrup, 0.29 g and 0.14 g fructooligosaccharides/kg/day
Blinding: Double-blind
Duration: 120-day period
Funding: Unclear

Highly Cited

Background & aims

Syrup obtained from yacon roots could be well positioned as a nutraceutical product due to its high fructooligosaccharides content. We examined the beneficial effects and tolerance of yacon syrup on human health.

Methods

Obese and slightly dyslipidemic pre-menopausal women were studied over a 120-day period in a double-blind placebo-controlled experiment. We used two doses of yacon syrup, 0.29 g and 0.14 g fructooligosaccharides/kg/day. At the start and end of the study, anthropometric measurements, blood glucose, calcium, lipid and insulin concentrations and Homeostasis Model Assessment index were determined.

Results

The recommended daily consumption of yacon syrup with no undesirable gastrointestinal effects is 0.14 g fructooligosaccharides/kg. Daily intake of yacon syrup produced a significant decrease in body weight, waist circumference and body mass index. Additionally, decrease in fasting serum insulin and Homeostasis Model Assessment index was observed. The consumption of yacon syrup increased defecation frequency and satiety sensation. Fasting glucose and serum lipids were not affected by syrup treatment and the only positive effect was found in serum LDL-cholesterol levels.

Conclusions

Yacon syrup is a good source of fructooligosaccharides and its long-term consumption produced beneficial health effects on obese pre-menopausal women with insulin resistance.

Research Insights

Yacon→Increased Defecation Frequency
The consumption of yacon syrup increased defecation frequency and satiety sensation.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
0.14 g fructooligosaccharides/kg/day
Yacon→Increased Satiety Sensation
The consumption of yacon syrup increased defecation frequency and satiety sensation.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
0.14 g fructooligosaccharides/kg/day
Yacon→Reduced Body Mass Index
Daily intake of yacon syrup produced a significant decrease in body weight, waist circumference and body mass index.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
0.14 g fructooligosaccharides/kg/day
Yacon→Reduced Body Weight
Daily intake of yacon syrup produced a significant decrease in body weight, waist circumference and body mass index.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
0.14 g fructooligosaccharides/kg/day
Yacon→Reduced Fasting Glucose
Fasting glucose and serum lipids were not affected by syrup treatment
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
0.14 g fructooligosaccharides/kg/day
Yacon→Reduced Homeostasis Model Assessment Index
decrease in fasting serum insulin and Homeostasis Model Assessment index was observed.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
0.14 g fructooligosaccharides/kg/day
Yacon→Reduced Insulin Level
decrease in fasting serum insulin and Homeostasis Model Assessment index was observed.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
0.14 g fructooligosaccharides/kg/day
Yacon→Reduced LDL Cholesterol
the only positive effect was found in serum LDL-cholesterol levels.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
0.14 g fructooligosaccharides/kg/day
Yacon→Reduced Total Cholesterol Levels
Fasting glucose and serum lipids were not affected by syrup treatment
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
0.14 g fructooligosaccharides/kg/day
Yacon→Reduced Waist Circumference
Daily intake of yacon syrup produced a significant decrease in body weight, waist circumference and body mass index.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
0.14 g fructooligosaccharides/kg/day