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Yacon

What does the research say about Yacon?

2 health outcomes synthesised

Research on yacon has been conducted across two health outcomes, focusing primarily on its potential effects on body weight and waist circumference. The strongest evidence is for reduced body weight, with three studies—including two RCTs and a meta-analysis—showing beneficial effects at doses of approximately 0.1–0.14 g fructooligosaccharides per kilogram of body weight per day. Most evidence comes from obese or overweight adults, with effects typically observed over 6–17 weeks.

Strongest evidence: The most robust research supports yacon for reduced body weight, where all three studies (two RCTs and one meta-analysis) reported beneficial effects, and the evidence strength is moderate. Effective doses ranged from 0.1–0.14 g fructooligosaccharides (FOS)/kg/day. Effects were typically observed at 6–17 weeks (median 81 days) in obese and overweight adults, including premenopausal women with dyslipidemia.

Mixed or weaker evidence: For reduced waist circumference, evidence strength is low. Two of three studies reported small beneficial effects, while one neutral meta-analysis found no significant effect. The two positive studies used similar doses (0.1–0.14 g FOS/kg/day) over 6–17 weeks, but small sample sizes and the neutral finding limit confidence in the benefit.

Effective dose patterns: Across both outcomes, the studied dose range converges tightly at 0.1–0.14 g FOS/kg/day (approximately 7–10 g FOS for a 70 kg adult). This consistency strengthens the relevance of this dosing range, regardless of the specific outcome.

Population insights: Most evidence comes from obese or overweight adults, particularly premenopausal women with dyslipidemia. No studies were identified in normal-weight populations or children, so generalizability beyond these groups is unknown.

Notable caveats: The evidence base for both outcomes is small (only 3 studies each), making conclusions preliminary. Publication bias is a concern—null-result studies on yacon are less likely to be published. Additionally, effect sizes vary: for body weight, two RCTs showed small effects while the meta-analysis reported a large pooled effect (−8.22 kg) with a very wide confidence interval, indicating uncertainty in the magnitude of benefit.

Frequently asked

  • What is Yacon good for according to research?
    Research on yacon has focused on two outcomes: reduced body weight and reduced waist circumference. All three studies on body weight reported beneficial effects, with moderate evidence strength. For waist circumference, two of three studies found small benefits, but evidence strength is low due to mixed results and small sample sizes.
  • What dose of Yacon is typically used in studies?
    Studies consistently used doses of 0.1–0.14 g of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) per kilogram of body weight per day. For a 70 kg adult, this translates to approximately 7–10 g of FOS daily, typically provided as yacon syrup or flour.
  • Who benefits most from Yacon?
    Most evidence comes from obese and overweight adults, particularly premenopausal women with dyslipidemia. Effects on body weight and waist circumference were observed in these populations over 6–17 weeks. No studies were found in normal-weight individuals or children.
  • Are there caveats or limitations in the research on Yacon?
    Yes. The evidence base is small—only three studies per outcome—so conclusions should be considered preliminary. Publication bias is a concern because null-result studies are less likely to be published. For body weight, the meta-analysis reported a large effect size (−8.22 kg) but with a very wide confidence interval, indicating uncertainty in the true benefit.
  • Does Yacon help with reduced body weight?
    All three studies on yacon and body weight reported beneficial effects, with moderate evidence strength. However, effect sizes varied: two clinical trials showed small effects, while a meta-analysis reported a large pooled effect (−8.22 kg). Doses of 0.1–0.14 g FOS/kg/day were used over 6–17 weeks in obese and overweight adults.
  • Does Yacon help with reduced waist circumference?
    Two of three studies reported small beneficial effects of yacon on waist circumference, but one neutral meta-analysis found no significant effect. The evidence strength is low due to the mixed results, small sample sizes, and preliminary nature of the data. Effective doses were similar to those used for body weight (0.1–0.14 g FOS/kg/day).

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