Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of interrelated metabolic challenges characterized by central abdominal obesity (increased waist circumference), dyslipidemia (elevated triglycerides and/or low HDL cholesterol), hypertension (elevated blood pressure), and impaired glucose tolerance (insulin resistance). MetS has been linked to a higher likelihood of developing both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes. According to a meta-analysis of 87 studies and over 950,000 individuals, MetS was associated with increased risk of CVD (x 2.35), myocardial infarction (x 1.99), stroke (x 2.27), CVD mortality (x 2.4), and all-cause mortality (x 1.58). The mechanisms underlying MetS seem to be primarily driven by insulin resistance and dysregulated fatty acid metabolism, often accompanied by a proinflammatory state. The prevalence of MetS has been increasing both in the U.S. and globally, with an alarming incidence in children and adolescents, underscoring the importance of early detection and intervention strategies. 

A recent case study published in the journal Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine examined the effect of a personalized nutritional and nutraceutical protocol on indicators of metabolic health. In this six-month case study, a 60-year-old male was diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, sleep apnea, polyuria, and cardiometabolic concerns (including hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and elevated blood glucose). Prior to the intervention, he reported a sedentary lifestyle, high-processed standard American diet, heavy smoking, sugared energy drink consumption, and moderate alcohol intake. 

During the six-month intervention, the patient adhered to a Mediterranean diet (MED) consisting of an increased intake of vegetables, legumes, and nuts, with a high ratio of monounsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids. He also implemented a personalized nutraceutical protocol that involved multiple ingredients, including red yeast rice, berberine, fenugreek, American ginseng, rhamnan sulfate (from green seaweed extract), fruit and vegetable extracts, nicotinamide riboside chloride, geranylgeraniol, coenzyme Q10, and a multivitamin containing chromium, zinc, vitamin E tocotrienols, R-lipoic acid, taurine, and carnosine. The reported clinical outcomes were based on a protocol that combined all these components. As such, individual contributions of each ingredient were not isolated. 

Over the course of the protocol, the patient was monitored at three key milestones: an initial visit, a six-week follow-up, and a final evaluation. During the initial visit, comprehensive baseline assessments, including bloodwork and anthropometric data, were collected. Reviewing the bloodwork revealed hypertriglyceridemia, hyperlipidemia, and elevated blood sugar. MetS was diagnosed based on the anthropometric measurements and bloodwork indicators. At the six-week follow-up, significant improvements were observed in lipid profiles, weight, and glycemic markers, prompting continuation of the same regimen. 

At the final evaluation, the patient demonstrated substantial and sustained progress, including improved blood sugar and lipid metabolism indicators. The patient experienced a 44% reduction in blood glucose and a 35% decrease in HbA1c, indicating significantly improved blood sugar metabolism. Lipid profile markers also showed important changes, including an 85% drop in triglycerides, a 47% reduction in total cholesterol, a 39% decrease in LDL-C, and an 83% reduction in VLDL-C. Additionally, HDL-C increased by 30%, and the cholesterol/HDL ratio improved by 59%. Liver function, as measured by alkaline phosphatase (ALP), improved with a 23% reduction. Additionally, the patient lost 12% of body weight and reported marked improvements in occasional fatigue, sleep quality, normal wound healing, and overall energy and vigor. 

The results from this case study suggest that a combination of dietary and lifestyle modifications, such as adhering to a Mediterranean-type diet and a targeted nutraceutical protocol that is carefully selected by a qualified health-care practitioner, may help support the normal function and health of various bodily systems to promote homeostasis. Furthermore, this case study offers compelling evidence that a personalized protocol may help deliver broad-spectrum benefits for individuals seeking support for cardiovascular and metabolic health.

This case study highlights potential benefits, and while it provides promising insights, it reflects an individual’s response and may not be generalizable. Additional research in diverse populations is needed to draw firm conclusions. 

Learn more about metabolic health: 

Unlock the Power of Taurine for Metabolic Health

Berberine: Supports Blood Sugar, Healthy Weight, and Beyond 

Vitamin E Tocotrienols, Metabolic Health, and Healthy Aging

Hyperinsulinemia: An Early Indicator of Metabolic Dysfunction

By Antonia Toupet, PhD