Acute consumption of yacon shake did not affect glycemic response in euglycemic, normal weight, healthy adults

Abstract

Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp.) H. Rob) is a natural source of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) studied for its potential as a functional food for prevention and management of chronic diseases, in part associated with its positive impact on glycemic response and body weight. However, yacon beneficial effect on glucose response and food intake control are still controversial. We investigated the acute effect of yacon consumption on glycemic response, subjective appetitive sensations, and food intake in a crossover trial. Fifteen healthy adults consumed 350 mL of yacon (21 g of yacon flour with 7.4 g of FOS) or control shake, on two non-consecutive days (washout). Yacon shake did not affect glycemic response, appetite or food intake. However, it is possible that positive effects of yacon consumption may turn evident only after its chronic consumption. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term effect of yacon consumption on glucose response and body weight control.

Keywords

• Yacon root
• Functional food
• Nutraceutical
• Glucose
• Intake