Addressing Metabolic Syndrome

Multi-functional nutritional ingredients may stop the progression of metabolic syndrome

As mentioned in the Italian study of fiber intake and metabolic syndrome, magnesium appears to also be a key compound in addressing the different factors of this condition. Researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reviewed data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Sur vey (1988 to 1994) and found an inverse association between dietary magnesium intake and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome.²⁰ And a review out of Northwestern University, Chicago, noted studies indicate magnesium plays a pivotal role in glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion, and intake may be inversely related to the risk of hypertension and diabetes.²¹

The same research team from Northwestern examined the relationship of magnesium intake in young adults (n=4,637) to incidence of metabolic syndrome.²² During the course of 15 years of follow-up, there were 608 incidences of metabolic syndrome, with magnesium intake inversely associated with disease incidence. The researchers stated: “Experimental data suggests that magnesium may directly regulate cellular glucose metabolism through its role as a cofactor for a number of relevant enzymes and may influence insulin secretion by interacting with cellular calcium homeostasis. In addition, epidemiological studies and clinical trials indicate that magnesium intake may improve insulin sensitivity.”

Another important mineral in this arena is chromium, which reviewers note has been shown to facilitate insulin signaling, improve systemic insulin sensitivity and reduce CVD risk.²³ An animal study out of Louisiana State University, Shreveport, found niacin-bound chromium and chromium picolinate worked to lower pro-inflammatory cytokines, with the niacin-bound chromium also reducing lipid levels and oxidative stress.²⁴ A study conducted at the University of Vermont, Burlington, reviewed the effects of chromium picolinate on obese hyperinsulinemic rats and found intervention significantly lowered fasting insulin levels and improved glucose disappearance.²⁵ In addition, treated obese rats had lower plasma total cholesterol.

Follow-up work by the Vermont team involved 37 type 2 diabetics who were given sulfonylurea plus placebo or 1,000 mcg/d of chromium picolinate for six months.²⁶ Drug therapy alone resulted in a significant increase in body weight, which was attenuated by chromium supplementation. Intervention also significantly improved insulin sensitivity and glucose control.

Two studies conducted at the Alpha Therapy Center, Corpus Christ y, Texas, examined the effects of a combination of chromium picolinate and biotin in type 2 diabetics. The first study, a double blind, placebo-controlled trial, involved 348 participants randomized to receive the combination supplement (600 mcg chromium and 2 mg biotin) or placebo for 90 days.²⁷ Intervention significantly lowered glucose levels in all participants, and lowered total cholesterol and the atherogenic index in patients with hypercholesterolemia. In the second trial, 447 type 2 diabetics received the same combination supplement or placebo for 90 days in combination with oral anti-diabetic agents; researchers found the supplement could improve glycemic control, particularly among patients with poor glycemic control strictly on oral therapy.²⁸

Another antioxidant playing a role in metabolic syndrome is alpha-lipoic acid (ALA). At its most fundamental biological level, ALA breaks down glucose in every cell and converts it to energy. Animal studies have shown ALA may enhance weight loss, ameliorate insulin resistance and atherogenic dyslipidemia, and lower blood pressure, positioning it as a therapeutic agent for treating metabolic syndrome.³⁵ Such research suggests ALA may work in part by increasing fatty acid oxidation, preventing triglyceride accumulation in skeletal muscle that can lead to insulin resistance.³⁶ Further in vitro trials have found ALA may directly affect beta cell function, reducing insulin secretion, while also enhancing mitochondrial function and inhibiting AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), thereby preventing obesity.³⁷

Clinical research supports the initial findings. A study at Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, involved 58 subjects with metabolic syndrome; they were randomized to receive an angiotensin receptor blocker, lipoic acid (300 mg/d), both or neither for four weeks.³⁸ Treatment with both the pharmaceutical and/or ALA was associated with statistically significant reductions in inflammatory cytokines and improved endothelial function. Bulgarian researchers have further found ALA treatment can improve insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetics.³⁹

Studies have also investigated the synergistic activities of ALA with acetyl-Lcarnitine (ALC), an acetylated form of the amino acid L-carnitine. Reviews suggest co-administration of ALA with ALC may have greater effects in reducing oxidative mitochondrial dysfunction.⁴⁰ Further, animal research suggests the combination of nutrients may work to maintain myocardial function,⁴¹ while also increasing oxygen consumption and fatty acid oxidation in adipocytes, enhancing fat metabolism.⁴²

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