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

Abstract

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.

• Authors: Susana Genta, Wilfredo Cabrera, Natalia Habib, Juan Pons, Iván Manrique Carillo, Alfredo Grau, Sara Sánchez
• Journal: Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) (Clin Nutr) Vol. 28 Issue 2 Pg. 182-7 (Apr 2009) ISSN: 1532-1983 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 19254816 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Blood Glucose
• Insulin
• Lipids
• Plant Extracts
• Plant Preparations
• yacon syrup
• Calcium

Topics

• Adult
• Anthropometry
• Blood Glucose (drug effects)
• Body Mass Index
• Body Weight (drug effects)
• Calcium (blood)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Double-Blind Method
• Dyslipidemias (diet therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Insulin (blood)
• Insulin Resistance
• Lipids (blood)
• Middle Aged
• Obesity (diet therapy)
• Plant Extracts (administration & dosage)
• Plant Preparations (pharmacology)
• Satiety Response (drug effects)