Metabolic syndrome: dietary interventions

Abstract

Purpose of review: Metabolic syndrome affects almost a quarter of the adult American population and its incidence is rising in the rest of the world. Its treatment involves both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions. In this review the authors focus on foods with potential benefits for this disease.

Recent findings: Metabolic syndrome is associated with the risk of diabetes, and thus cardiovascular disease. In recent years, many scientific studies have evaluated the role of different foods and diets in the treatment of the components of metabolic syndrome, especially atherogenic dyslipidemia.

Summary: It is imperative to identify strategies that favorably impact this deadly syndrome. Here the authors review how different nutrients in food can modify metabolic syndrome, potentially altering its natural history, and related consequences. Although there is no "all-inclusive" diet yet, it seems plausible that a Mediterranean-style diet exhibits most of the desired attributes.