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Freeze-dried powdered yacon: effects of FOS on serum glucose, lipids and intestinal transit in the elderly

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Abstract

Background and aims

Freeze-dried powdered yacon (FDY) can be considered a prebiotic product due to its fructooligosaccharides (FOS) content. The effect of 9 weeks of daily intake of FDY containing 7.4 g of FOS on glucose, lipid metabolism and intestinal transit in a group of elderly people was investigated.

Methods

Seventy-two elderly (mean age 67.11 ± 6.11) men and women were studied for 9 weeks in a double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment. They were randomly assigned to the supplement group (which received 7.4 g of FOS as FDY) or the control group. At the beginning and end of the study, anthropometric measurements, blood sampling, clinical analyses and dietary intake were assessed.

Results

A daily intake of FDY containing 7.4 g of FOS for 9 weeks was associated with a mean decrease in serum glucose (p = 0.013), but supplementation did not reduce serum lipids in the study group. The administered dose did not adversely affect intestinal transit. It did not cause bloating, flatulence or intestinal discomfort.

Conclusion

Freeze-dried powdered yacon is a good source of FOS, and daily consumption can have a favourable effect on serum glucose in the elderly. It is also practical, easy and safe to use and store.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank FAPESP (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo—São Paulo Research Foundation—Research Project 2010/50689-7) for financial support and Corn Products Brazil for the supply of maltodextrin.

Conflict of interest

On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Food Science, School of Food Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil

    M. M. A. Scheid & G. M. Pastore

  2. University of Vale do Paraíba (UNIVAP), São José dos Campos, Brazil

    P. S. Genaro

  3. Department of Nutrition, Centre for Health Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil

    Y. M. F. Moreno

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  1. M. M. A. Scheid
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  2. P. S. Genaro
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Correspondence to M. M. A. Scheid.

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Scheid, M.M.A., Genaro, P.S., Moreno, Y.M.F. et al. Freeze-dried powdered yacon: effects of FOS on serum glucose, lipids and intestinal transit in the elderly. Eur J Nutr 53, 1457–1464 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-013-0648-x

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