The Effectiveness and Safety of a Nutraceutical Combination in Overweight Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a nutraceutical combination given to insulin-resistant overweight patients with altered lipid profiles. To this end, an observational study was designed in which 74 individuals (50 females and 24 males) underwent an observational period of 3 months.

Methods: During this time, a specific nutraceutical combination containing myo-inositol, glycine, Coprinus comatus, α-lipoic acid, phlorizin, zinc, vitamin B⁶, and chromium picolinate was administered. Patients were asked not to modify their lifestyles so that no variable that might interfere with results was introduced.

Results: After the 3-month period, the obtained data revealed that insulin levels significantly decreased with respect to the baseline, while glucose levels exhibited a trend towards lower concentrations, which was not significant. In addition, HOMA-IR index, body weight, BMI, and abdominal circumference values all decreased significantly. Regarding lipid profiles, the data obtained before and after the 3-month period showed statistically significant decreases in concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride, as well as a small but statistically significant concomitant increase in HDL cholesterol.

Conclusions: Thus, on the basis of these data, it may be stated that the specific nutraceutical combination used in the present study significantly ameliorated a number of metabolic parameters without measurable side effects. The efficacy and safety of the product were, therefore, confirmed in our group of patients.

Keywords: insulin resistance; metabolic dysfunction; nutraceuticals; overweight.

Figure 1

Differentials (deltas) between fasting blood insulin (a) and glucose (b), and their respective levels 120 min after 75 g oral glucose administration, at T0 and after a 3-month (T3) period of Chromitron administration. Data are presented in the form of mean ± SD for a group of 74 overweight patients with insulin resistance. * = p < 0.05.

Figure 2

Insulin and glucose blood concentrations at baseline and at +120 min, after 75 g oral glucose administration, before and after a 3-month period of Chromitron administration (T3). Data are presented in the form of mean ± SD for a group of 74 overweight patients with insulin resistance. Blue columns represent baseline; pink columns represent +120 min. * = p < 0.05.

Figure 3

HOMA-IR index scores at T0 (baseline) and after a 3-month period of Chromitron administration (T3). Data are presented in the form of mean + SD for a group of 74 overweight patients with insulin resistance. * = p < 0.0001, baseline vs. T3.

Figure 4

Mean ± SD values for body weight (kg) of 74 overweight patients with insulin resistance before (T0) and after a 3-month period of Chromitron administration (T3). * = p < 0.0001.

Figure 5

Mean ± SD values for BMI of 74 overweight patients with insulin resistance before (T0) and after a 3-month period of Chromitron administration (T3). * = p < 0.0001.

Figure 6

Abdominal circumferences (mean ± SD) of 74 overweight patients with insulin resistance before (T0) and after a 3-month period of Chromitron administration (T3). * = p < 0.0001.

Figure 7

Blood levels of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides at baseline (T0) and after a 3-month period of Chromitron administration (T3) in a group of 74 overweight and insulin-resistant patients. * = p < 0.03 and under.