Yacon Syrup

What is Yacon Syrup?

Yacon syrup is a functional food with one of the highest naturally occurring concentrations of fructooligosaccharide (FOS). FOS is a compound that tastes sweet, but cannot be broken down by the body’s sugar-digesting enzymes, meaning it is low in calories, and does not increase blood glucose.

Where Does Yacon Syrup Come From?

Yacon syrup is extracted from the tuberous root of the Yacon plant (Smallanthus sonchifolius).The plant was originally domesticated by the Incas, and is native to the Andes in South America. 

Yacon Syrup Uses

Yacon syrup has been known for its anti-diabetic properties thanks to the fiber inulin which does not increase blood sugar levels. Moreover, yacon syrup is high in antixodiants and postassium which are significant nutrients to assist with those on a ketogenic or low carbohydrate diet.

Benefits of Yacon Syrup

Yacon syrup has become very popular for the role it can play in promoting weight loss. Regular supplementation with yacon syrup before meals may increase insulin sensitivity, which can  slow or reverse the development of type 2 diabetes (1). It has also shown promise in reducing fasting glucose and cholesterol levels (2). Yacon syrup is known as a prebiotic and helps keep the digestive system healthy. Friendly bacteria species such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus maintain a large population in the lower intestine when FOS is present, as it is a preferred food source (3). Yacon also prevents constipation. Undigestable FOS has a similar effect on the gut to soluble fibre (1). Fermentation of FOS in the colon by bacteria lowers pH. This encourages greater absorption of calcium from the gut into the bloodstream, which is important for bone health (4).

Benefits of Yacon Syrup for Bodybuilding

The main attraction of yacon syrup is as a weight loss aid or metabolism booster. In the best known scientific study of its effects, obese female subjects shed on average 15kg over four months with supplementation, versus a 2kg weight gain in an identical group taking a placebo (1). Yacon root is a source of antioxidants, which prevent cell damage, and tryptophan, an amino acid with antioxidant properties that can also play a role in sleep and mood regulation (5). Additionally, experimental studies in animals show that the phenolic acids present in the yacon root may boost testosterone levels by suppressing enzymes in the liver that break the molecule down (6).

Side Effects, Safety & Negatives of Yacon Syrup

Using yacon syrup in moderation is generally regarded as safe, although many countries ban its use in infant formula. Large doses have been known to cause digestive problems such as diarrhoea and flatulence. Although early studies are encouraging, there is little information regarding the benefits of yacon syrup supplementation in healthy athletes. Some proposed benefits of this supplement, like testosterone boosting ability, have not yet been tested in humans.

Yacon Syrup Recommended Doses, Side Effects & Ingredient Timing

A dose of 0.14g syrup /kg body weight/day was found to be effective in boosting metabolism and promoting weight loss. This is the equivalent of 9.8g/day for a 70kg person. The same study recommended breaking this into two doses and taking each an hour before eating (1). Other sources recommend taking the supplement with food. It is thought that dosages of up to 20g of FOS per day are generally tolerated well (7).

Like most ingredients, excessive consumption of Yacon Syrup can lead to stomach discomfort. This is due to the fibre content in Yacon which exceeds the recommended daily fibre intake.

Yacon Syrup Supplements

Yacon syrup is sold as a single-ingredient product, however may be dehydrated or powderised in time to be put into fat loss supplements.

Stacking Yacon Syrup

Yacon syrup will stack with anything. As it increases calcium absorption, many people recommend stirring it into yoghurt, smoothie, or high calcium protein shake for a delicious low GI snack with multiple benefits.

(1) Genta S, Cabrera W, Habib N, Pons J, Carillo IM, Grau A, Sánchez S: Yacon syrup: beneficial effects on obesity and insulin resistance in humans.
Clin Nutr 2009, 28:182-187.
(2) Beylot M. Effects of inulin-type fructans on lipid metabolism in man and in animal models. Br J Nutr. 2005;93(Suppl. 1):S163–S168
(3) Lachman J, Fernandez EC, Orsak M. Yacon [Smallanthus sonchifolia (Poepp. Et Endl) H. Robinson] Chemical composition and use – A review. Plant Soil Environ. 49 2003; 6 283-290.
(4) van den Heuvel EG, Muys T, van Dokkum W, Schaafsma G. Oligofructose stimulates calcium absorption in adolescents. Am J Clin Nutr 1999 Mar;69(3):544-8.
(5) Yan X, Suzuki M, Ohnishi-Kameyama M, Sada Y, Nakanishi T, Nagata T. Extraction and identification of antioxidants in the roots of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius). J Agric Food Chem. 1999 Nov;47(11):4711-3.
(6) Park JS, Han K. The spermatogenic effect of yacon extract and its constituents and their inhibition effect of testosterone metabolism.Biomol Ther. 2013 Mar;21(2):153-60.
(7) Carabin IG, Flamm WG. Evaluation of safety of inulin and oligofructose as dietary fiber.
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