Nutritional Supplements Modulating Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors and the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome risk factors (MSRF) can lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its prevalence is increasing at an alarming rate in the United States and worldwide. Pathways leading directly from visceral adiposity to the genesis of free fatty acids and lipid accumulation are mediators of insulin resistance and hypertension. These conditions lead to a proinflammatory and prothrombotic state that can potentiate cardiovascular disease. Metabolic syndrome risk factors are interrelated and associated with predisposition to diabetes, obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia and, thus, ultimately can lead to CVD. In this review, the authors focused on seven research-supported nutrients available as dietary supplements that offer potential benefits for people with MSRF. For the past two decades, a number of studies have evaluated the role of nutritional supplementation in the prevention of atherogenic and abnormal glucose risk factors. It is, therefore, important to identify strategies that favorably impact MSRF and disease conditions. This review focuses on nutritional compounds such as policosanol, soy proteins, plant stanols, plant esters and isoflavones, omega-3 fatty acids and chromium. These ingredients can beneficially modulate MSRF and, thus, potentially improve disease risk factors and related sequelae. Although the benefits of dietary supplements in general have not been comprehensively elucidated or established, it seems plausible, given available data, that non-pharmacological compounds exhibit the ability to measurably reduce MSRF and, consequently, provide potential protection against CVD and its associated complications.

Combination of Chromium and Biotin Improves Coronary Risk Factors in Hypercholesterolemic Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Placebo‐Controlled, Double‐Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

“…18 In recent studies, 11,12 the use of CPB improved blood glucose, fructosamine, and HbA 1c levels in T2DM. These results are consistent with those reported in previous studies evaluating the efficacy of CP 8,9,[19][20][21] and biotin 22 in individuals with T2DM. 23,24 Glycemic control remains the cornerstone of therapeutic strategies in patients with T2DM and its complications.…”

“…In recent studies, 11,12 the use of CPB improved blood glucose, fructosamine, and HbA 1c levels in T2DM. These results are consistent with those reported in previous studies evaluating the efficacy of CP 8,9,19–21 and biotin 22 in individuals with T2DM 23,24 …”

Effect of chromium on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus: the fat-fed, streptozotocin-treated rat

“…In fact, CrPic showed multiple beneficial effects in T2DM, including attenuating body weight gain [3], improving lipid profiles [1][2][3][4][5][6], and enhancing endothelial function [4]. Chromium picolinate improves insulin sensitivity and may reduce other associated complications [7]. The mechanisms of CrPic action have remained obscure, despite multiple pathways of action being proposed, including a decrease in hepatic glucose production, an increase in peripheral glucose disposal, and a reduction of intestinal glucose absorption [8,9].…”