Nutraceuticals for the treatment of metabolic diseases: evidence from clinical practice

Abstract

The aim of this review is to describe some types of supplements that have been shown to be good co-adjuvants along with diet and drug treatment in improving insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. We can conclude that some nutraceuticals, such as l-carnitine, berberine, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, krill oil and red yeast rice, can be helpful in reducing hypercholesterolemia or insulin resistance, as reported in clinical trials. Nutraceuticals can be associated with conventional pharmacological treatments to achieve an improved lipid profile without increasing statin dosage. Similarly, although nutraceuticals cannot replace conventional antidiabetic treatments, they may be useful as an adjuvant to standard therapy, improving insulin resistance. However, not all nutraceuticals are the same and their natural origin does not mean that everyone can take them or that they cannot be dangerous; nutraceuticals should be used only under medical prescription and should be combined with a well-balanced diet.

Keywords:

• berberine
• insulin resistance
• lipid profile
• nutraceuticals
• omega 3

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Expression of concern

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Key issues

• Dietary supplements have been developed to manage a variety of diseases.

• L-carnitine, berberine, Ω-3 PUFA, krill oil and red yeast rice effects on lipid profile and insulin-resistance are supported by clinical trials.

• Not all nutraceuticals are the same; they should be used only under medical prescription and should be combined with a well-balanced diet.

• Caution is needed for nutraceuticals without evidence deriving from randomized clinical trials.