Yacon roots improves obesity and insulin resistance in humans

HONORÉ S.M.; HABIB N.; CABRERA W.; GENTA S.B.; SÁNCHEZ S. S.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Congreso; 2nd International Congress on Abdominal Obesity; 2011

International Chair on Cardiometabolic Risk

Objectives: Syrup obtained from yacon roots could be well positioned as a nutraceutical product due to its high fructooligosaccharides (FOS) 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 administred twice a day a dose of 145mg or 70mg FOS/kg/day of yacon syrup containing 41.39% FOS. 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 140mg FOS/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 were not affected by syrup but a positive effect was found in serum lipids in triglicerides and 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.