Journal of Nutraceuticals and Health

Metabolic syndrome

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Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidaemia, and central obesity. Collectively, these conditions multiply the risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Nutritionally relevant agents such as omega-3, fibre, and antioxidants are valuable in modulating these risks because they improve lipoprotein patterns, attenuate inflammation, and enhance weight reduction. Nutraceuticals in combination with well-balanced meals and physical training are critical for the control of metabolic syndrome.

Type 2 diabetes and the risk of cardiovascular disease are linked to metabolic syndrome. About 25% of adults have metabolic syndrome, and this percentage rises with age, especially among racial and ethnic minorities.

There are similarities and close relationships between prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance. The reason of the illness is still being investigated by medical professionals, although it is believed to be brought on by an underlying issue of energy storage and usage. Scholars disagree as to whether a metabolic syndrome diagnosis suggests a different course of therapy or raises the risk of cardiovascular disease over what the sum of its constituent parts would indicate.

Central obesity, sometimes referred to as visceral, male-pattern, or apple-shaped adiposity, is the primary indicator of metabolic syndrome. Adipose tissue buildup, primarily around the waist and trunk, is its defining feature. High blood pressure, impaired fasting glucose, insulin resistance, higher fasting serum triglyceride levels, decreased fasting serum HDL cholesterol, and prediabetes are further indicators of metabolic syndrome. Acanthosis nigricans, polycystic ovarian syndrome in women, erectile dysfunction in males, fatty liver (particularly in concomitant obesity) leading to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and hyperuricemia are associated diseases.

Metabolic syndrome can lead to several serious and chronic complications, including type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, kidney disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

The pathophysiology is extremely intricate and has only been partially understood. The majority of those afflicted are elderly, fat, inactive, and partially insulin resistant. Another contributing cause may be stress. Diet (especially consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages), genetics, aging, sedentary behavior, or low physical activity, disturbed sleep or chronobiology, mood disorders or the use of psychotropic medications, and excessive alcohol consumption are the most significant risk factors. Vidal-Puig analyzed the pathogenic function of the syndrome's excessive adipose tissue expansion, which occurs under prolonged overeating, and the consequent lipotoxicity.

The causes of metabolic syndrome: Stress, Obesity, Sedentary lifestyle, Aging, Diabetes mellitus type 2, Coronary heart disease, Lipodystrophy, Rheumatic diseases, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.