Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of risk factors that occur together and increase the risk that you will develop cardiovascular disease and diabetes. While medications are sometimes used to treat metabolic syndrome, nutritional supplements, along with diet and exercise, provide a safe and effective alternative. Be sure to consult with your physician before you take any nutritional supplement.
Understanding Insulin Resistance
The hallmark of metabolic syndrome is insulin resistance. In fact, it is often called insulin resistance syndrome. Normally, insulin binds to receptors, or "docking stations," on the cells' surfaces to allow excess sugar in the bloodstream to enter the cell to be stored or burned for energy. With insulin resistance, insulin cannot easily attach to the receptors, and, as a result, your body puts out more and more insulin in order to dispose of the excess sugar in your bloodstream. This surplus of insulin makes you even more immune, or resistant, to insulin's actions. High levels if insulin in the blood increase your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Chromium
One of the most effective nutritional supplements used to treat metabolic syndrome is the essential trace mineral chromium. By sensitizing your cells to insulin, chromium can help reverse insulin resistance. According to an estimate from Dr. Richard Anderson, one of the world's leading chromium researchers, reported in the November 1991 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," more than 90 percent of adults are deficient in chromium. An effective dosage of supplemental chromium to target insulin resistance is 600 to 1,000 mcg per day.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that have tremendous health benefits. When you consume more of these healthful fats in your diet, they become incorporated in the membranes of your cells. The membranes then become more pliable and fluid, allowing insulin to bind to the surface receptors more easily. As a result, you become more insulin sensitive and less insulin resistant. This enhancement of insulin sensitivity from supplemental omega-3 fats was demonstrated in an animal study reported in the 1996 edition of the "Journal of Nutrition." At least 1,400 mg of EPA and 1,000 mg of DHA -- the major types of omega-3 fatty acids -- are recommended to obtain therapeutic benefits.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a key role in the action of insulin. Magnesium deficiency is common in people with metabolic syndrome and is implicated in increased insulin resistance. In a recent study published in "Diabetes Metabolism," magnesium supplementation significantly improved insulin sensitivity in non-diabetic subjects. The recommended dose of magnesium in the treatment of metabolic syndrome is 160mg three times a day.
Vitamin D3
Like the omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D has widespread health benefits in the body. The sunshine vitamin activates hundreds of genes including those involved with metabolic syndrome. A 10-year study reported in the October 2008 issue of the journal "Diabetes" found that an increased risk of developing insulin resistance was associated with lower vitamin D levels in non-diabetic adults. A dose of 1,000 to 4,000 IU of vitamin D per day is recommended to achieve healthy blood levels.
References
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Supplemental Chromium Effects on Glucose, Insulin, Glucagon, and Urinary Chromium Losses in Subjects Consuming Controlled Low-Chromium Diets; Richard A. Anderson, et al.; November 1991
- "Journal of Nutrition"; Dietary Fish Oil Enhances Insulin Sensitivity in Miniature Pigs; Margaret T. Behme, M.D.; June 1996
- "Diabetes Metabolism"; Oral Magnesium Supplementation Improves Insulin Sensitivity in Non-Diabetic Subjects with Insulin Resistance. A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial; F. Guerrero-Romero, et al.; June 2004
- "Diabetes"; Baseline Serum 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Is Predictive of Future Glycemic Status and Insulin Resistance. The Medical Research Council Ely Prospective Study 1990 - 2000; Nita G. Forouhi, et al.; October 2008
Member Comments