The Effect of Yacon Consumption on Glycemic Control and Lipid Profiles: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Recent human studies have indicated the beneficial effects of yacon on diabetes and metabolic syndrome; however, no meta-analysis has investigated the effects of yacon on glycemic control and lipid profiles. METHODS: Searches were conducted in five databases-PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library-and relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) until June 2024. The random-effects model was employed to compute the effect size, thereafter represented as a weighted mean difference (WMD) and a 95% confidence interval (CI). This study's registration number in PROSPERO is CRD420251028504. RESULTS: This study integrated seven RCTs with 239 participants. The results demonstrated that yacon consumption had no statistically significant effects on fasting blood sugar (FBS, p = 0.33), insulin levels (p = 0.76), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, p = 0.42), total cholesterol (TC, p = 0.17), low-density lipoprotein (LDL, p = 0.12), high-density lipoprotein (HDL, p = 0.42), or triglycerides (TG, p = 0.75). However, subgroup studies indicated that yacon consumption reduced FBS levels over an exceeding 8-week duration in both sexes and in persons over 40. Furthermore, yacon intake resulted in a decrease in LDL-cholesterol levels for more than 8 weeks, particularly in women and individuals over 40. Additionally, it led to a decrease in LDL-cholesterol levels among women and individuals over 40 who consumed yacon for more than 8 weeks, and HDL-cholesterol levels increased in those aged 40 and above. CONCLUSION: Overall, this meta-analysis indicates that yacon use in adults does not lead to significant improvements in lipid profiles or glycemic parameters.