What is metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of some or all of these symptoms: elevated blood pressure or sugar; excess abdominal fat; imbalanced cholesterol or triglycerides, with links to overweight and inactivity. In these studies, vitamin D, whey protein, a combination of inositol and selenium, and even whole grains show some promise for further exploration.
Vitamin D: Better insulin sensitivity, weight, and fat
Doctors wanted to test if a low-calorie diet plus vitamin D could improve insulin sensitivity in overweight people low in vitamin D. In this study, 18 obese, nondiabetic men and women, aged 18 to 70, deficient in vitamin D, went on a low-calorie diet, plus a placebo or 25,000 IU of vitamin D per week.
After three months, the placebo group had lost 10 percent of body weight while those taking vitamin D saw a 7.5 percent decrease. The placebo group lost an average of 2.4 pounds in fat mass, while the vitamin D group lost 3.2 pounds.
Vitamin D levels increased to 17 from 14 nanograms per milliliter of blood (ng/mL) for placebo, and doubled to 30 from 15 ng/mL for vitamin D. One in three in the placebo group saw a 20 percent improvement in insulin sensitivity compared to three in four of those taking vitamin D.
Reference: Obesity Research Journal; 2018, Vol. 26, No. 4, 651-7
Whey protein lowered blood sugar
In this study, 18 people with type 2 diabetes took a placebo beverage or one with a premixed 15 gram dose of whey protein, three times per day, 10 minutes before meals.
After seven days, while the placebo group had not changed, blood sugar levels reverted to normal for an additional two hours per day in those taking whey protein; an 8.3 percent increase in normal levels. Over 24 hours, blood sugar concentrations ran 0.6 micromoles per liter of blood lower for whey protein than placebo.
Reference: BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care; 2022, Vol. 10, No. 3
Inositol, selenium in hypothyroidism
When the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone, metabolism slows down. Women, especially those between age 30 and 50, are more likely to develop hypothyroidism. The most common form is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism. In this study, 148 women and 19 men with an early, mild form of the disorder took 83 mcg of selenium, with or without 600 mg of inositol, per day.
After six months, those taking selenium with inositol showed improvements in measures of the condition—including more normal levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Those taking selenium alone also saw improvement, but not as great as those in the selenium/inositol group. Doctors said selenium with inositol restored normal thyroid function in those with subclinical—early, mild—Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism.
Reference: European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences; June 2017, Vol. 21, No. 2, 51-9
Whole grains for healthy weight
Whole grains contain twice the level of vitamins and minerals as refined grains, and five times the amount of fiber. In this study, those who got more whole grains in their diet were less likely to be overweight, obese, or to have high levels of LDL cholesterol. The study measured the diets of 4,706 adults, aged at least 18, 15.4 percent of whom consumed whole grains, and 28.7 percent who consumed refined grains.
Overall, those who got 50 to 150 grams of whole grains per day were more likely to have low levels of LDL, higher levels of HDL, and were least likely to be overweight, obese, or to have elevated blood pressure compared to those who got fewer whole grains or who did not consume whole grains.
Reference: Nutrients; 2022, Vol. 14, No. 10, Article No. 14102109
BetsyHealth Note: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before trying a supplement, especially if you have a medical condition, including being pregnant or nursing, take prescription or over-the-counter medications, or are planning on having surgery.
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