Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome refers to a group of cardiometabolic risk factors: abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high fasting blood sugar, high blood triglycerides, and low HDL-C. If a person has at least three of these, they have metabolic syndrome.
Quick Answer
What it is
Metabolic syndrome refers to a group of cardiometabolic risk factors: abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high fasting blood sugar, high blood triglycerides, and low HDL-C. If a person has at least three of these, they have metabolic syndrome.
Key findings
- Grade B: Blood glucose (Whey Protein)
- Grade B: Triglycerides (Dihydroberberine)
- Grade B: LDL Cholesterol (Dihydroberberine)
Safety
- Metabolic syndrome refers to a group of cardiometabolic risk factors: abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high fasting blood sugar, high blood triglycerides, and low HDL-C.
âšī¸ Quick Facts
Quick Facts: Metabolic Syndrome
- Supplements Studied:40
- Research Trials:44
- Total Participants:149,257
- Top Supplement:Saffron (B)
44 trials
149,257 participantsppts
40 supps ¡ 391 outcomes
Evidence-Based Protocol
Supplement stack ranked by research quality
Primary Stack (Tier 1)
500mg 2-3x daily with meals
Multi-target metabolic modulator that activates AMPK, improves insulin sensitivity, lowers lipids, and reduces hepatic fat
25 studies | 2,200 participants
2-4g EPA/DHA daily
Reduces triglycerides, decreases inflammatory markers, improves endothelial function, and addresses dyslipidemia
40 studies | 4,000 participants
Supporting Stack (Tier 2)
300-450mg daily
Improves insulin sensitivity, supports glucose metabolism, and reduces blood pressure
18 studies | 1,200 participants
2000-4000 IU daily (target 40-60 ng/mL)
Deficiency linked to metabolic syndrome; supplementation improves insulin sensitivity and reduces inflammation
22 studies | 2,000 participants
150-500mg daily
Activates SIRT1/AMPK pathways, improves glucose metabolism, and provides cardiovascular protection
20 studies | 1,000 participants
200-1000mcg daily (chromium picolinate)
Enhances insulin receptor sensitivity and improves glucose tolerance
15 studies | 900 participants
How It Works
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together: high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess abdominal fat, high triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol. Having three or more of these dramatically increases risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Addressing metabolic syndrome requires targeting multiple interconnected metabolic pathways.
âĸBerberine is arguably the most effective supplement for metabolic syndrome because it addresses multiple components simultaneously. It lowers blood sugar by activating AMPK (the 'metabolic master switch'), reduces triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, decreases liver fat, and reduces inflammation. Studies show effects comparable to pharmaceutical medications like metformin for blood sugar and statins for cholesterol.
âĸOmega-3 Fatty Acids are particularly important for the lipid component of metabolic syndrome. They significantly reduce triglycerides (often the most abnormal lipid in metabolic syndrome), improve HDL function, reduce inflammation, and improve blood vessel function. The cardiovascular benefits are well-established.
âĸMagnesium deficiency is extremely common in metabolic syndrome and contributes to insulin resistance. Supplementation improves insulin sensitivity, helps lower blood pressure, and supports glucose metabolism. Studies show improved fasting glucose and reduced insulin resistance with adequate magnesium.
âĸVitamin D deficiency is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome. Vitamin D receptors are found in pancreatic beta cells and affect insulin secretion. Supplementation may improve multiple metabolic parameters, especially in those who are deficient.
âĸResveratrol activates longevity pathways (SIRT1, AMPK) that improve metabolic function. It may improve glucose tolerance, reduce oxidative stress, and provide cardiovascular protection. Effects are modest but contribute to the overall protocol.
âĸChromium enhances insulin signaling and improves glucose tolerance. It's particularly helpful for the blood sugar component of metabolic syndrome.
Expected timeline: Berberine effects on blood sugar and lipids can be measured within 4-8 weeks. Omega-3 effects on triglycerides appear within 4-6 weeks. Improvements in all metabolic parameters require 3-6 months of consistent use alongside lifestyle changes.
Generated from peer-reviewed researchSchema v2.0
Supplements for Metabolic Syndrome
Sorted by strength of evidence
Detailed Outcomes
Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
|
B
Blood glucose
Mixed effect
20 studies850 participants
?
Total cholesterol
22 studies901 participants
âImproves
?
Triglycerides
22 studies1018 participants
âImproves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
21 studies939 participants
âImproves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
19 studies827 participants
âImproves
?
Waist circumference
18 studies2344 participants
âImproves
?
Blood Pressure
16 studies1000 participants
âImproves
?
Insulin
14 studies768 participants
âWorsens
?
Insulin Resistance
13 studies807 participants
âImproves
?
HbA1c
6 studies246 participants
âImproves
?
Total-/HDL-cholesterol ratio
3 studies161 participants
âWorsens
B
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
12 studies796 participants
smallâImproves
?
Total cholesterol
12 studies840 participants
âImproves
?
Triglycerides
12 studies688 participants
âImproves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
11 studies746 participants
âImproves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
11 studies746 participants
âImproves
?
HbA1c
8 studies571 participants
âImproves
?
Body Mass Index (BMI)
6 studies378 participants
âImproves
?
Insulin
5 studies340 participants
âWorsens
?
Insulin Resistance
5 studies404 participants
âImproves
?
Blood Pressure
4 studies218 participants
âImproves
?
Hip Circumference
2 studies120 participants
âImproves
?
Waist circumference
2 studies120 participants
âImproves
?
Weight
2 studies120 participants
âImproves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
1 study44 participants
âImproves
?
Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)
1 study44 participants
âImproves
?
Interferon Gamma
1 study44 participants
âImproves
?
Interleukin 1-alpha
1 study44 participants
âImproves
?
Interleukin 1-beta
1 study44 participants
âImproves
?
Interleukin 10
1 study44 participants
âImproves
?
Interleukin 2
1 study44 participants
âImproves
?
Interleukin 4
1 study44 participants
âImproves
?
Interleukin 6
1 study44 participants
âImproves
?
Interleukin 8
1 study44 participants
âWorsens
?
Leptin
1 study76 participants
âImproves
?
Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1
1 study44 participants
âImproves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
1 study75 participants
âImproves
?
TNF-Alpha
1 study44 participants
âImproves
?
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
1 study44 participants
âImproves
B
Triglycerides
Moderate Decrease - 0.50 mmol/L reduction (meta-analysis)
12 studies800 participants
moderateâImproves
B
LDL Cholesterol
Moderate Decrease - 0.65 mmol/L reduction
10 studies700 participants
moderateâImproves
B
Total Cholesterol
Moderate Decrease - 0.61 mmol/L reduction
10 studies700 participants
moderateâImproves
C
Waist Circumference
3.27 cm reduction (meta-analysis)
6 studies400 participants
moderateâImproves
B
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
11 studies1 participants
smallâImproves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
16 studies1 participants
âImproves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
15 studies1 participants
âImproves
?
Total cholesterol
14 studies1 participants
âImproves
?
Triglycerides
14 studies1 participants
âImproves
?
Weight
14 studies1 participants
âImproves
?
Insulin Resistance
13 studies1 participants
âImproves
?
Insulin
9 studies1 participants
âWorsens
?
HbA1c
8 studies1 participants
âImproves
?
Waist circumference
8 studies1 participants
âImproves
B
Adiponectin
Small Increase
6 studies285 participants
smallâImproves
?
Blood Pressure
27 studies1648 participants
âImproves
?
Body Mass Index (BMI)
25 studies1418 participants
âImproves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
19 studies869 participants
âImproves
?
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
17 studies894 participants
âImproves
?
Total cholesterol
16 studies863 participants
âImproves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
15 studies793 participants
âImproves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
15 studies791 participants
âImproves
?
Weight
14 studies582 participants
âImproves
?
Interleukin 6
13 studies631 participants
âImproves
?
Glycemic Control
12 studies541 participants
âImproves
?
TNF-Alpha
12 studies483 participants
âImproves
?
Serum Albumin
10 studies516 participants
âImproves
?
Blood glucose
9 studies329 participants
âImproves
?
Body Fat
8 studies516 participants
âImproves
?
Leptin
8 studies271 participants
âImproves
?
Insulin Resistance
7 studies191 participants
âImproves
?
Waist circumference
7 studies335 participants
âImproves
?
HbA1c
6 studies271 participants
âImproves
?
Insulin
6 studies172 participants
âWorsens
?
Uric Acid
4 studies353 participants
âImproves
?
Vascular Function
4 studies268 participants
âImproves
?
Kidney Function
3 studies135 participants
âImproves
?
Superoxide Dismutase Activity
3 studies118 participants
âImproves
?
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1
1 study1034 participants
âWorsens
?
Liver Enzymes
1 study2474 participants
âWorsens
?
Plasminogen Inhibitor-1
1 study1034 participants
âImproves
B
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Small Decrease
6 studies321 participants
smallâImproves
?
Interleukin 6
4 studies191 participants
âImproves
?
TNF-Alpha
3 studies127 participants
âImproves
B
Adiponectin
Small Increase
5 studies1646 participants
smallâImproves
?
Weight
15 studies1646 participants
âImproves
?
Blood glucose
14 studies769 participants
âImproves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
14 studies753 participants
âImproves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
13 studies853 participants
âImproves
?
Triglycerides
13 studies683 participants
âImproves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
12 studies709 participants
âImproves
?
Body Mass Index (BMI)
10 studies562 participants
âImproves
?
Insulin
9 studies521 participants
âWorsens
?
HbA1c
8 studies464 participants
âImproves
?
Interleukin 6
6 studies323 participants
âImproves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
5 studies425 participants
âImproves
?
Waist circumference
5 studies251 participants
âImproves
?
Waist-Hip Ratio
5 studies1646 participants
âImproves
?
Leptin
4 studies1646 participants
âImproves
?
Superoxide Dismutase Activity
4 studies320 participants
âImproves
?
Blood Pressure
2 studies367 participants
âImproves
?
TNF-Alpha
2 studies138 participants
âImproves
?
Total cholesterol
2 studies367 participants
âImproves
?
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile
1 study117 participants
âImproves
B
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
3 studies147 participants
smallâImproves
?
Blood Pressure
4 studies164 participants
âImproves
?
Weight
3 studies147 participants
âImproves
?
Glycemic Control
2 studies130 participants
âImproves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
2 studies97 participants
âImproves
?
Insulin
2 studies130 participants
âWorsens
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
2 studies34 participants
âImproves
?
Plasmalogens
2 studies34 participants
âImproves
?
Total cholesterol
2 studies97 participants
âImproves
?
Triglycerides
2 studies97 participants
âImproves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
1 study17 participants
âImproves
?
PCOS Symptoms
1 study50 participants
âImproves
B
Blood glucose
Moderate Improvement
2 studies748 participants
moderateâImproves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
12 studies591 participants
âWorsens
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
11 studies727 participants
âWorsens
?
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)
9 studies480 participants
âImproves
?
Superoxide Dismutase Activity
7 studies364 participants
âImproves
?
TNF-Alpha
6 studies307 participants
âWorsens
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
5 studies568 participants
âImproves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
5 studies568 participants
âWorsens
?
Triglycerides
5 studies568 participants
âWorsens
?
Total cholesterol
4 studies488 participants
âWorsens
?
HbA1c
3 studies389 participants
âWorsens
?
Interleukin 6
3 studies156 participants
âWorsens
B
Blood glucose
Large Improvement
2 studies2737 participants
largeâImproves
?
Triglycerides
38 studies3004 participants
âImproves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
35 studies2824 participants
âImproves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
34 studies2784 participants
âImproves
?
Total cholesterol
28 studies2804 participants
âImproves
?
HbA1c
21 studies1156 participants
âImproves
?
Blood Pressure
20 studies1426 participants
âImproves
?
Insulin
16 studies1138 participants
âWorsens
?
Insulin Resistance
14 studies1119 participants
âImproves
?
Glycemic Control
1 study24 participants
âImproves
C
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile
Small Increase
1 study40 participants
smallâImproves
?
Blood glucose
2 studies120 participants
âImproves
?
Glycemic Control
2 studies120 participants
âImproves
?
Insulin
2 studies120 participants
âWorsens
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
2 studies120 participants
âImproves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
2 studies100 participants
âImproves
?
Weight
2 studies120 participants
âImproves
?
Apolipoprotein A
1 study60 participants
âImproves
?
Apolipoprotein B
1 study60 participants
âImproves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
1 study60 participants
âImproves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
1 study60 participants
âImproves
?
LDL Oxidation
1 study60 participants
âImproves
?
Leptin
1 study60 participants
âImproves
?
Total cholesterol
1 study60 participants
âImproves
?
Triglycerides
1 study60 participants
âImproves
C
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
Small Decrease
1 study35 participants
smallâImproves
?
Weight
1 study35 participants
âImproves
C
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
1 study60 participants
smallâImproves
?
Glutathione (GSH)
9 studies550 participants
âImproves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
8 studies399 participants
âImproves
?
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)
8 studies550 participants
âImproves
?
Superoxide Dismutase Activity
5 studies550 participants
âImproves
?
TNF-Alpha
5 studies399 participants
âImproves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
4 studies550 participants
âImproves
?
Interleukin 6
3 studies399 participants
âImproves
?
Food Intake
1 study60 participants
âWorsens
?
Glycemic Control
1 study60 participants
âImproves
?
HbA1c
1 study60 participants
âImproves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
1 study60 participants
âImproves
?
Insulin
1 study60 participants
âWorsens
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study60 participants
âImproves
?
Total cholesterol
1 study60 participants
âImproves
?
Triglycerides
1 study60 participants
âImproves
?
vLDL-C
1 study60 participants
âImproves
?
Weight
1 study60 participants
âImproves
C
Blood glucose
Mixed effect
1 study4229 participants
?
Blood Pressure
2 studies822 participants
âImproves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
2 studies76 participants
âImproves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
2 studies76 participants
âImproves
?
Total cholesterol
2 studies76 participants
âImproves
?
Triglycerides
2 studies76 participants
âImproves
?
Insulin
1 study44 participants
âWorsens
C
Adiponectin
Small Increase
1 study52 participants
smallâImproves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
11 studies510 participants
âImproves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
11 studies510 participants
âImproves
?
Total cholesterol
11 studies510 participants
âImproves
?
Triglycerides
11 studies510 participants
âImproves
?
Blood glucose
9 studies510 participants
âImproves
?
HbA1c
5 studies510 participants
âImproves
?
Insulin
3 studies510 participants
âWorsens
?
vLDL-C
3 studies510 participants
âImproves
?
Appetite
1 study52 participants
âWorsens
?
Body Fat
1 study52 participants
âImproves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
1 study52 participants
âImproves
?
Hip Circumference
1 study52 participants
âImproves
?
Muscle Mass
1 study52 participants
âImproves
?
Waist circumference
1 study52 participants
âImproves
?
Waist-Hip Ratio
1 study52 participants
âImproves
?
Weight
1 study52 participants
âImproves
C
Apolipoprotein A
Small Increase
1 study27 participants
smallâImproves
?
Homocysteine
2 studies61 participants
âWorsens
?
Fibrinogen
1 study27 participants
âImproves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
1 study27 participants
âImproves
?
LDL Oxidation
1 study27 participants
âWorsens
?
Liver Enzymes
1 study27 participants
âWorsens
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study27 participants
âWorsens
?
Plasminogen Inhibitor-1
1 study27 participants
âImproves
?
Serum Cobalamin
1 study34 participants
âImproves
?
Serum Folate
1 study34 participants
âImproves
?
Total cholesterol
1 study27 participants
âWorsens
C
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
1 study24 participants
smallâImproves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
8 studies444 participants
âImproves
?
Interleukin 6
2 studies37 participants
âImproves
?
TNF-Alpha
2 studies37 participants
âImproves
?
Blood Pressure
1 study24 participants
âImproves
?
HbA1c
1 study24 participants
âImproves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
1 study24 participants
âImproves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study24 participants
âImproves
?
Serum Magnesium
1 study24 participants
âImproves
?
Total cholesterol
1 study24 participants
âImproves
?
Triglycerides
1 study24 participants
âImproves
C
Adiponectin
Small Increase
1 study32 participants
smallâImproves
?
Triglycerides
6 studies375 participants
âImproves
?
Blood glucose
5 studies303 participants
âImproves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
5 studies321 participants
âImproves
?
Blood Pressure
2 studies66 participants
âImproves
?
Glycemic Control
2 studies62 participants
âImproves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
2 studies207 participants
âImproves
?
Total cholesterol
2 studies207 participants
âImproves
?
Waist circumference
2 studies115 participants
âImproves
?
Apolipoprotein A
1 study30 participants
âImproves
?
Apolipoprotein B
1 study30 participants
âImproves
?
Appetite
1 study30 participants
âWorsens
?
Atherosclerotic Signs
1 study177 participants
âImproves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
1 study30 participants
âImproves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study30 participants
âImproves
?
Free Fatty Acids
1 study30 participants
âImproves
?
Hip Circumference
1 study30 participants
âImproves
?
Insulin
1 study30 participants
âWorsens
?
Lipoprotein(a)
1 study30 participants
âImproves
?
Liver Enzymes
1 study30 participants
âWorsens
?
Uric Acid
1 study30 participants
âImproves
?
Weight
1 study30 participants
âImproves
C
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
1 study45 participants
smallâImproves
?
Blood Pressure
1 study45 participants
âImproves
?
Glycemic Control
1 study45 participants
âImproves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
1 study45 participants
âImproves
?
IGF Binding Protein
1 study45 participants
âImproves
?
IGF-1
1 study45 participants
âImproves
?
Inflammation
1 study45 participants
âImproves
?
Insulin
1 study45 participants
âWorsens
?
LDL Oxidation
1 study45 participants
âImproves
?
Liver Enzymes
1 study45 participants
âWorsens
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study45 participants
âImproves
?
Total cholesterol
1 study45 participants
âImproves
?
Triglycerides
1 study45 participants
âImproves
C
Blood Pressure
Small Improvement
1 study27 participants
smallâImproves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
1 study27 participants
âImproves
?
LDL Oxidation
1 study27 participants
âImproves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study27 participants
âImproves
?
Total cholesterol
1 study27 participants
âImproves
?
Triglycerides
1 study27 participants
âImproves
C
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile
Small Increase
1 study30 participants
smallâImproves
?
Blood glucose
1 study30 participants
âImproves
?
Blood Pressure
1 study30 participants
âImproves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
1 study30 participants
âImproves
?
Fibrinogen
1 study30 participants
âImproves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
1 study30 participants
âImproves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study30 participants
âImproves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
1 study30 participants
âImproves
?
Total cholesterol
1 study30 participants
âImproves
?
Triglycerides
1 study30 participants
âImproves
C
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
1 study48 participants
smallâImproves
?
Blood Pressure
1 study48 participants
âImproves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
1 study48 participants
âImproves
?
Glycemic Control
1 study48 participants
âImproves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
1 study48 participants
âImproves
?
Insulin
1 study48 participants
âWorsens
?
LDL Oxidation
1 study48 participants
âImproves
?
Total cholesterol
1 study48 participants
âImproves
?
Triglycerides
1 study48 participants
âImproves
C
Insulinemia
-34% reduction in plasma insulin levels
1 study32 participants
moderateâImproves
D
Blood glucose
No effect
10 studies521 participants
none
?
Triglycerides
21 studies1087 participants
âImproves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
20 studies1008 participants
âImproves
?
Total cholesterol
20 studies998 participants
âImproves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
19 studies982 participants
âImproves
?
Blood Pressure
7 studies1203 participants
âImproves
?
Insulin
1 study4229 participants
âWorsens
D
Adiponectin
No effect
7 studies284 participants
none
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
11 studies697 participants
âImproves
?
Glutathione (GSH)
4 studies697 participants
âImproves
?
Leptin
4 studies284 participants
âImproves
?
Nitric Oxide
4 studies697 participants
âImproves
?
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)
4 studies697 participants
âImproves
?
Interleukin 6
3 studies697 participants
âImproves
?
TNF-Alpha
2 studies697 participants
âImproves
D
Blood glucose
No effect
5 studies200 participants
none
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
6 studies270 participants
âImproves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
6 studies270 participants
âImproves
?
Total cholesterol
6 studies270 participants
âImproves
?
Triglycerides
6 studies270 participants
âImproves
?
Glycemic Control
2 studies100 participants
âImproves
?
Insulin
2 studies100 participants
âWorsens
?
Blood Pressure
1 study20 participants
âImproves
?
Heart Rate
1 study20 participants
âImproves
?
Kidney Function
1 study20 participants
âImproves
?
Liver Enzymes
1 study20 participants
âWorsens
?
Weight
1 study20 participants
âImproves
?
White Blood Cell Count
1 study20 participants
âImproves
D
Body Mass Index (BMI)
No effect
3 studies244 participants
none
?
Weight
7 studies422 participants
âImproves
?
Waist circumference
6 studies297 participants
âImproves
?
Visceral Fat
5 studies231 participants
âImproves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
3 studies412 participants
âImproves
D
Blood glucose
No effect
3 studies175 participants
none
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
7 studies485 participants
âImproves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
7 studies485 participants
âWorsens
?
Total cholesterol
7 studies450 participants
âWorsens
?
Triglycerides
6 studies445 participants
âWorsens
?
Blood Pressure
4 studies297 participants
âWorsens
?
Body Mass Index (BMI)
4 studies162 participants
âWorsens
D
Blood glucose
No effect
2 studies80 participants
none
?
Blood Pressure
5 studies183 participants
âImproves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
3 studies121 participants
âImproves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
3 studies121 participants
âImproves
?
Total cholesterol
3 studies121 participants
âImproves
?
Triglycerides
3 studies121 participants
âImproves
?
Insulin
1 study30 participants
âWorsens
D
Apolipoprotein A
No effect
1 study24 participants
none
?
Apolipoprotein B
1 study24 participants
âImproves
?
Blood Flow
1 study24 participants
âImproves
?
Blood glucose
1 study24 participants
âImproves
?
Blood Pressure
1 study24 participants
âImproves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
1 study24 participants
âImproves
?
Cell Adhesion Factors
1 study24 participants
âImproves
?
Fibrinogen
1 study24 participants
âImproves
?
Glycemic Control
1 study24 participants
âImproves
?
HbA1c
1 study24 participants
âImproves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
1 study24 participants
âImproves
?
Homocysteine
1 study24 participants
âImproves
?
Insulin
1 study24 participants
âWorsens
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study24 participants
âImproves
?
Total cholesterol
1 study24 participants
âImproves
?
Triglycerides
1 study24 participants
âImproves
?
Weight
1 study24 participants
âImproves
D
Body Fat
No effect
1 study60 participants
none
?
Glycemic Control
1 study60 participants
âImproves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
1 study60 participants
âImproves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study60 participants
âImproves
?
Triglycerides
1 study60 participants
âImproves
?
Weight
1 study60 participants
âImproves
D
Blood glucose
No effect
1 study94 participants
none
?
Blood Pressure
1 study94 participants
âImproves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
1 study94 participants
âImproves
?
Kidney Function
1 study94 participants
âImproves
?
Liver Enzymes
1 study94 participants
âWorsens
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study94 participants
âImproves
?
Total cholesterol
1 study94 participants
âImproves
?
Triglycerides
1 study94 participants
âImproves
?
Urea
1 study94 participants
âImproves
D
Blood glucose
No effect
1 study94 participants
none
?
Blood Pressure
1 study94 participants
âImproves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
1 study94 participants
âImproves
?
Kidney Function
1 study94 participants
âImproves
?
Liver Enzymes
1 study94 participants
âWorsens
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study94 participants
âImproves
?
Total cholesterol
1 study94 participants
âImproves
?
Triglycerides
1 study94 participants
âImproves
?
Urea
1 study94 participants
âImproves
D
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
No effect
1 study467 participants
none
?
Interleukin 6
1 study467 participants
âImproves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
1 study467 participants
âImproves
?
Superoxide Dismutase Activity
1 study467 participants
âImproves
?
TNF-Alpha
1 study467 participants
âImproves
?
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)
1 study467 participants
âImproves
D
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
No effect
1 study23 participants
none
?
LDL Oxidation
1 study23 participants
âImproves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study23 participants
âImproves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
1 study23 participants
âImproves
?
Total cholesterol
1 study23 participants
âImproves
?
Triglycerides
1 study23 participants
âImproves
?
vLDL-C
1 study23 participants
âImproves
D
Blood Pressure
No effect
1 study58 participants
none
?
Inflammation
1 study58 participants
âWorsens
D
Traditional Use for Metabolic Syndrome
Systematic review: Insufficient high-quality evidence to support efficacy for metabolic syndrome parameters. Traditional use widespread but clinical validation lacking. More rigorous trials needed.
small
?
Blood Pressure
1 study65 participants
âImproves
?
Blood Pressure
1 study30 participants
âImproves
?
Glycemic Control
Small Detriment
1 study20 participants
small
?
Hepatic Glucose Production
1 study20 participants
âWorsens
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
1 study20 participants
âImproves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study20 participants
âImproves
?
Triglycerides
1 study20 participants
âImproves
?
vLDL-C
1 study20 participants
âImproves
Research Citations (11)
Related Conditions
Type 2 Diabetes
37 shared supplements ¡ 868 outcomes
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a disease in which blood glucose levels are too high. It is characterized by insulin resistance in muscle, fat, and pancreas cells and an inability of the pancreas to manufacture enough insulin to control blood glucose levels. T2D is strongly associated with excess body fat, and weight loss induced by lifestyle changes is extremely effective for treating T2D.
Metabolic Health
31 shared supplements ¡ 975 outcomes
Research on metabolism, blood glucose regulation, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic syndrome.
29 shared supplements ¡ outcomes
High Cholesterol
27 shared supplements ¡ 553 outcomes
High amounts of low-density lipoproteins cause fatty plaques to build up in the arteries, which restricts blood flow and can cause health problems like a heart attack. Lifestyle factors (e.g., poor diet, smoking) and genetics play a huge role in blood cholesterol levels.
High Blood Pressure
26 shared supplements ¡ 393 outcomes
High blood pressure is when the force of your blood pushing against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. High blood pressure is often caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, although it can result from other medical conditions as well.
Obesity
23 shared supplements ¡ 525 outcomes
Obesity is a condition of excessive body fat that increases the risk for other conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Fat is how the body stores extra calories that were eaten but not used. Obesity treatment usually involves restricting the calories eaten or creating a negative calorie balance.
Overweight
20 shared supplements ¡ 379 outcomes
Overweight is characterized as having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29.9. Having overweight is associated with increased risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease. However, this may not be the case in people with increased lean mass (e.g., athletes or weight lifters).
Weight Loss & Maintenance
19 shared supplements ¡ 433 outcomes
This goal refers to people with a BMI >25 attempting to reach/maintain their ideal weight. While interventions that work for people with a BMI >25 may also work for people with a lower BMI, the context is often sufficiently different that this isn't assured.