Management of the metabolic syndrome and the emerging role of nutraceutical

Abstract

The term Metabolic Syndrome refers to the aggregation of a number of cardiovascular related risk factors; obesity (usually central), hypertension, dyslipidaemia, glucose intolerance, prothrombotic state and inflammation. The Metabolic syndrome is a predictor of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. It is associated with a 7-fold increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and a relative risk of 1.54 for cardiovascular events and death after adjustment of traditional risk factors.

Life style modification (increase physical activity and dietary modification) is vital in management. Early diagnosis and strict adherence to life style measures have been demonstrated to retard progression of the syndrome and reduce the incidence of its attendant morbidity and mortality. Recently, nutraceuticals, which are food supplements that have some health benefits, were demonstrated from several studies to have important roles in the management of the metabolic syndrome.

Keywords: Metabolic syndrome, management, Nutraceuticals