Condition

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of linked problems, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, extra belly fat, high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol, that reflects how the body handles sugar and fat. Berberine and omega-3 fatty acids have the strongest evidence among supplements, and large berberine trials found blood sugar improved. Vitamin D also improved blood sugar, but only in a few small studies, and the evidence for magnesium and chromium was limited.

Sources: PMID 40259331; PMID 31950134

Supplements studied: 40
Graded outcomes: 40
Trials: 44
People studied: 149,257

Evidence by supplement

Strong
Moderate
Limited
Very limited

40 supplements

Saffron

Saffron: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	6 studies	796 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Effects of Crocus sativus on glycemic control and cardiometabolic parameters among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Nutr Metab · PMID 38796446 The effect of hydroalcoholic Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) extract on fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, liver, and renal function tests in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized double-blind clinical trialPhytother Res · PMID 30942510 Effects of Cinnamon, Cardamom, Saffron, and Ginger Consumption on Markers of Glycemic Control, Lipid Profile, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes PatientsRev Diabet Stud · PMID 26177486 and 3 more on the Saffron page
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	218 people
Studies that measured blood pressure Protective properties of the aqueous extract of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in ischemic stroke, randomized clinical trialJ Ethnopharmacol · PMID 30914350 The effects of saffron supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysisFront Nutr · PMID 36570145 An evaluation of the effects of saffron supplementation on the asthma clinical symptoms and asthma severity in patients with mild and moderate persistent allergic asthma: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trialRespir Res · PMID 30795753
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	120 people
Studies that measured weight Satiereal, a Crocus sativus L extract, reduces snacking and increases satiety in a randomized placebo-controlled study of mildly overweight, healthy womenNutr Res · PMID 20579522 A placebo controlled randomized clinical trial of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) on depression and food craving among overweight women with mild to moderate depressionJ Clin Pharm Ther · PMID 31602695 Effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on anthropometric and cardiometabolic indices in overweight and obese patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Phytother Res · PMID 35866520
	TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	44 people
Studies that measured tnf-alpha Effects of saffron on homocysteine, and antioxidant and inflammatory biomarkers levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized double-blind clinical trialAvicenna J Phytomed · PMID 31516857 The effect of saffron supplement on clinical outcomes and metabolic profiles in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trialPhytother Res · PMID 32048365
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	688 people
Studies that measured triglycerides Saffron and crocin improved appetite, dietary intakes and body composition in patients with coronary artery diseaseJ Cardiovasc Thorac Res · PMID 29391933 The effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) hydroalcoholic extract on metabolic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A triple-blinded randomized clinical trialJ Res Med Sci · PMID 29531568
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	44 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	746 people
	Hip Circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	120 people
	Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	75 people
	Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			378 people
	Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)	Improves (the measure goes up)			44 people
	HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			571 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies			340 people
	Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			404 people
	Interferon Gamma	Improves (the measure goes up)			44 people
	Interleukin 1-alpha	Improves (the measure goes up)			44 people
	Interleukin 1-beta	Improves (the measure goes down)			44 people
	Interleukin 10	Improves (the measure goes up)			44 people
	Interleukin 2	Improves (the measure goes up)			44 people
	Interleukin 4	Improves (the measure goes up)			44 people
	Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			44 people
	Interleukin 8	Changes; see studies			44 people
	Leptin	Improves (the measure goes up)			76 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			746 people
	Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1	Improves (the measure goes up)			44 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			840 people
	Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor	Improves (the measure goes up)			44 people
	Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			120 people

Black seed

Black seed: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Moderate Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	2 studies	748 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Effect of Nigella sativa seeds on the glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitusIndian J Physiol Pharmacol · PMID 21675032 supplementation improves cardiometabolic indicators in population with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Front Nutr · PMID 36034891
	Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies		4 studies	488 people
Studies that measured total cholesterol Effects of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trialsPhytother Res · 2020 · PMID 32394508 Effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of powdered Nigella sativa (kalonji) seed in capsules on serum lipid levels, blood sugar, blood pressure, and body weight in adults: results of a randomized, double-blind controlled trialJ Altern Complement Med · PMID 19500003 The effect of Nigella sativa Linn. seed on memory, attention and cognition in healthy human volunteersJ Ethnopharmacol · PMID 23707331 and 1 more on the Black seed page
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies		2 studies	568 people
Studies that measured low-density lipoprotein (ldl) Effect of Nigella sativa Consumption on Lipid Profile and Glycemic Index in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Curr Med Chem · PMID 38265398 Effect of Nigella sativa oil on various clinical and biochemical parameters of insulin resistance syndromeInt J Diabetes Dev Ctries · PMID 19902033
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Changes; see studies		1 study	727 people
Studies that measured c-reactive protein (crp) The effect of Nigella sativa (black seed) on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Inflammopharmacology · PMID 37036558
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	568 people
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) Clinical evaluation of Nigella sativa seeds for the treatment of hyperlipidemia: a randomized, placebo controlled clinical trialMed Arh · PMID 22822623
	HbA1c	Changes; see studies			389 people
	Interleukin 6	Changes; see studies			156 people
	Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Changes; see studies			591 people
	Superoxide Dismutase Activity	Improves (the measure goes up)			364 people
	TNF-Alpha	Changes; see studies			307 people
	Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)			480 people
	Triglycerides	Changes; see studies			568 people

Vitamin D

Blood glucose: improves
Insulin: changes; see studies
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves

Vitamin D: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	2 studies	1 person
Studies that measured blood glucose Effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on vascular and metabolic health of vitamin D-deficient overweight and obese children: a randomized clinical trial.Am J Clin Nutr · PMID 31950134 The impact of vitamin D supplementation on glycemic control and lipid metabolism in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.BMC Endocr Disord · PMID 40259331
	Insulin	Changes; see studies		3 studies	1 person
Studies that measured insulin Effects of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on pancreatic β cell function, insulin sensitivity, and glycemia in adults at high risk of diabetes: the Calcium and Vitamin D for Diabetes Mellitus (CaDDM) randomized controlled trialAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 21715514 Efficacy of vitamin D supplementation on glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Diabetes Obes Metab · PMID 39355942 Vitamin D Supplementation Affects the Beck Depression Inventory, Insulin Resistance, and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical TrialJ Nutr · PMID 26609167
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	1 person
Studies that measured low-density lipoprotein (ldl) Vitamin D3 supplementation does not modify cardiovascular risk profile of adults with inadequate vitamin D statusEur J Nutr · 2015 · PMID 26621634 The effect of vitamin D supplementation on clinical symptoms and metabolic profiles in patients with endometriosisGynecol Endocrinol · PMID 33508990 Vitamin D supplementation enhances the beneficial effects of weight loss on cardiovascular disease risk markersAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 19321573
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	1 person
Studies that measured weight Can Vitamin D supplementation enhance the effectiveness of exercise-induced weight loss in overweight or obese adults? Evidence from integrated transcriptomic and meta-analysisFront Nutr · PMID 41098796 Effect of vitamin D supplementation on body composition, lipid profile, and glycemic indices in patients with obesity-associated metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Diabetol Metab Syndr · PMID 40682197
	HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	1 person
Studies that measured hba1c Association of A1C levels with vitamin D status in U.S. adults: data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination SurveyDiabetes Care · 2010 · PMID 20215453
	Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	1 person
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			1 person
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			1 person
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			1 person
	Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			1 person

Inositol

Blood glucose: improves
Weight: improves
Glycemic Control: improves

Inositol: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	2 studies	147 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Inositol is an effective and safe treatment in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Reprod Biol Endocrinol · PMID 36703143 Dietary supplementation with myo-inositol in women during pregnancy for treating gestational diabetes.Cochrane Database Syst Rev · PMID 27602537
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	147 people
Studies that measured weight The combined therapy with myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol reduces the risk of metabolic disease in PCOS overweight patients compared to myo-inositol supplementation aloneEur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci · PMID 22774396 Effects of inositol on ovarian function and metabolic factors in women with PCOS: a randomized double blind placebo-controlled trialEur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci · PMID 15206484 Differential insulin response to myo-inositol administration in obese polycystic ovary syndrome patientsGynecol Endocrinol · PMID 22612517 and 3 more on the Inositol page
	Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		4 studies	130 people
Studies that measured glycemic control Metabolic and hormonal effects of myo-inositol in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a double-blind trialEur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci · PMID 19499845 Myo-inositol administration positively affects hyperinsulinemia and hormonal parameters in overweight patients with polycystic ovary syndromeGynecol Endocrinol · PMID 18335328 Inositol Nutritional Supplementation for the Prevention of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Nutrients · PMID 35889788 and 1 more on the Inositol page
	Insulin	Changes; see studies		1 study	130 people
Studies that measured insulin Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in Indian Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Pharmaceuticals · PMID 40430499
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	97 people
Studies that measured triglycerides The effects of inositol supplementation on lipid profiles among patients with metabolic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Lipids Health Dis · PMID 29793496
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			164 people
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)			17 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			97 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			34 people
	PCOS Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)			50 people
	Plasmalogens	Improves (the measure goes up)			34 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			97 people

Whey Protein

Blood glucose
Insulin: changes; see studies
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves

Whey Protein: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Mixed effect		1 study	850 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Effects of a whey protein supplementation on intrahepatocellular lipids in obese female patientsClin Nutr · PMID 21288612
	Insulin	Changes; see studies	7 studies	768 people
Studies that measured insulin Whey and casein labeled with L-1-13Cleucine and muscle protein synthesis: effect of resistance exercise and protein ingestionAm J Physiol Endocrinol Metab · PMID 21045172 Whey protein but not soy protein supplementation alters body weight and composition in free-living overweight and obese adultsJ Nutr · PMID 21677076 Effects of whey protein isolate on body composition, lipids, insulin and glucose in overweight and obese individualsBr J Nutr · PMID 20377924 and 4 more on the Whey Protein page
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)	2 studies	939 people
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) Effects of whey protein on glycemic control and serum lipoproteins in patients with metabolic syndrome and related conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.Lipids Health Dis · PMID 32958070 The effect of whey protein on the components of metabolic syndrome in overweight and obese individuals; a systematic review and meta-analysis.Diabetes Metab Syndr · PMID 31790966
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)	1 study	1,000 people
Studies that measured blood pressure The effects of whey protein on blood pressure: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis · PMID 37419751
	HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		246 people
	Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)		807 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		827 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		901 people
	Total-/HDL-cholesterol ratio	Changes; see studies		161 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1,018 people
	Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)		2,344 people

Curcumin

Adiponectin: improves
Blood glucose: improves
Triglycerides: improves

Curcumin: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Adiponectin Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	1 study	1,646 people
Studies that measured adiponectin Influence of enhanced bioavailable curcumin on obesity-associated cardiovascular disease risk factors and arterial function: A double-blinded, randomized, controlled trialNutrition · PMID 30889454
	Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		18 studies	769 people
Studies that measured blood glucose The Effect of Antioxidant Polyphenol Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Nutrients · 2024 · PMID 39683599 Curcumin alleviates postprandial glycaemic response in healthy subjects: A cross-over, randomized controlled studySci Rep · 2018 · PMID 30209353 Effects of Curcuma longa (turmeric) on postprandial plasma glucose and insulin in healthy subjectsNutr J · 2010 · PMID 20937162 and 15 more on the Curcumin page
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		9 studies	683 people
Studies that measured triglycerides Effect of different curcuminoid supplement dosages on total in vivo antioxidant capacity and cholesterol levels of healthy human subjectsPhytother Res · 2011 · PMID 21796707 Effect of NCB-02, atorvastatin and placebo on endothelial function, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, 8-week studyDrugs R D · 2008 · PMID 18588355 Curcuminoids modify lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trialComplement Ther Med · PMID 28735818 and 6 more on the Curcumin page
	Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	425 people
Studies that measured oxidative stress biomarkers The effects of curcumin-containing supplements on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Phytother Res · PMID 30402990 Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcuminoid-piperine combination in subjects with metabolic syndrome: A randomized controlled trial and an updated meta-analysisClin Nutr · PMID 25618800 Curcumin protects DNA damage in a chronically arsenic-exposed population of West BengalHum Exp Toxicol · PMID 20056736 and 3 more on the Curcumin page
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	709 people
Studies that measured low-density lipoprotein (ldl) The effects of curcumin supplementation on liver enzymes, lipid profile, glucose homeostasis, and hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver diseaseEur J Clin Nutr · PMID 30610213 Treatment of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Curcumin: A Randomized Placebo-controlled TrialPhytother Res · PMID 27270872 Nano-curcumin improves glucose indices, lipids, inflammation, and Nesfatin in overweight and obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trialNutr Metab · PMID 30705687 and 2 more on the Curcumin page
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	1,646 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	367 people
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	367 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies		2 studies	521 people
	Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	323 people
	Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile	Improves (the measure goes up)			117 people
	Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			562 people
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)			853 people
	HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			464 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			753 people
	Leptin	Improves (the measure goes up)			1,646 people
	Superoxide Dismutase Activity	Improves (the measure goes up)			320 people
	TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			138 people
	Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			251 people
	Waist-Hip Ratio	Improves (the measure goes up)			1,646 people

Dihydroberberine

Triglycerides: improves
LDL Cholesterol: improves
Total Cholesterol: improves

Dihydroberberine: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Outcome	Effect	Size	People
Triglycerides Moderate Decrease - 0.50 mmol/L reduction (meta-analysis)	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	800 people
LDL Cholesterol Moderate Decrease - 0.65 mmol/L reduction	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	700 people
Total Cholesterol Moderate Decrease - 0.61 mmol/L reduction	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	700 people
Waist Circumference 3.27 cm reduction (meta-analysis)	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	400 people

Berberine

Blood glucose: improves
HbA1c: improves
Total cholesterol: improves

Berberine: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Large Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect		2,737 people
	HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	1,156 people
Studies that measured hba1c The Effect of Berberine on Metabolic Profiles in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsOxid Med Cell Longev · PMID 34956436 Berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systemic review and meta-analysisEvid Based Complement Alternat Med · PMID 23118793 Treatment of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia with the natural plant alkaloid berberineJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 18397984 and 2 more on the Berberine page
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	2,804 people
Studies that measured total cholesterol Overall and Sex-Specific Effect of Berberine for the Treatment of Dyslipidemia in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials.Drugs · PMID 36941490 Efficacy and safety of berberine for several cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Phytomedicine · PMID 36805484 The Effect of Berberine on Reproduction and Metabolism in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med · PMID 31915452
	Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	24 people
Studies that measured glycemic control Efficacy of Berberine in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver DiseasePLoS One · PMID 26252777 Effect of berberine administration on metabolic syndrome, insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretionMetab Syndr Relat Disord · PMID 23808999
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	2,784 people
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) Effects of berberine on lipid profile in subjects with low cardiovascular riskExpert Opin Biol Ther · 2013 · PMID 23441841 The effects of berberine supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.Front Nutr · PMID 36313096
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	3,004 people
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			1,426 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies			1,138 people
	Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			1,119 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			2,824 people

Resveratrol

Adiponectin: improves
Blood glucose: improves
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves

Resveratrol: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Adiponectin Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		285 people
	Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		7 studies	329 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Effect of resveratrol on glucose control and insulin sensitivity: a meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials.Am J Clin Nutr · PMID 24695890 Resveratrol supplementation and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysisCrit Rev Food Sci Nutr · PMID 33480264 Influence of Age and Dose on the Effect of Resveratrol for Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Molecules · PMID 36014469 and 4 more on the Resveratrol page
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	869 people
Studies that measured c-reactive protein (crp) Evidence-based nutritional and pharmacological interventions targeting chronic low-grade inflammation in middle-age and older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Ageing Res Rev · PMID 29803716 Can resveratrol supplement change inflammatory mediators? A systematic review and meta-analysis on randomized clinical trials.Eur J Clin Nutr · PMID 30013206 The effects of resveratrol supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Food Funct · PMID 30426122
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	582 people
Studies that measured weight Resveratrol supplementation significantly influences obesity measures: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Obes Rev · PMID 30515938 Efficacy of Resveratrol Supplementation on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic ReviewFront Physiol · PMID 35431994 A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials on the Impact of Resveratrol Supplementation on Anthropometric Indices in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.Phytother Res · PMID 40842160
	Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	135 people
Studies that measured kidney function Resveratrol may mildly improve renal function in the general adult population: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.Nutr Res · PMID 36996691 Effects of resveratrol supplementation on renal function in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol · PMID 40580309
	Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies		2 studies	2,474 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	863 people
	Vascular Function	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	268 people
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	1,648 people
	Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	541 people
	Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)	Improves (the measure goes up)			894 people
	Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)			516 people
	Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			1,418 people
	HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			271 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			793 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies			172 people
	Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			191 people
	Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1	Changes; see studies			1,034 people
	Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			631 people
	Leptin	Improves (the measure goes up)			271 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			791 people
	Plasminogen Inhibitor-1	Improves (the measure goes up)			1,034 people
	Serum Albumin	Improves (the measure goes up)			516 people
	Superoxide Dismutase Activity	Improves (the measure goes up)			118 people
	TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			483 people
	Uric Acid	Improves (the measure goes down)			353 people
	Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			335 people

Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)

C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
TNF-Alpha: improves
Interleukin 6: improves

Folic Acid (Vitamin B9): outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		321 people
	TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	127 people
Studies that measured tnf-alpha The Effects of Folic Acid Supplementation on Pro-inflammatory Mediators: a Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Clin Ther · PMID 34857394 Beneficial effects of folic acid on inflammatory markers in the patients with metabolic syndrome: Meta-analysis and meta-regression of data from 511 participants in 10 randomized controlled trials.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · PMID 36576260
	Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			191 people

Magnesium

Blood glucose: improves
Blood Pressure: improves
Serum Magnesium: improves

Magnesium: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	17 studies	24 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Efficacy of Magnesium Supplementation on Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Meta-analysis.J ASEAN Fed Endocr Soc · PMID 33442083 Oral magnesium supplementation in insulin-requiring Type 2 diabetic patientsDiabet Med · PMID 9632126 The effect of lowering blood pressure by magnesium supplementation in diabetic hypertensive adults with low serum magnesium levels: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trialJ Hum Hypertens · PMID 19020533 and 14 more on the Magnesium page
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		10 studies	24 people
Studies that measured blood pressure Magnesium Supplementation and Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Hypertension · PMID 41000008 Effect on blood pressure of potassium, calcium, and magnesium in women with low habitual intakeHypertension · PMID 9449404 Effects of Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Oxide, and Magnesium Sulfate Supplementation on Arterial Stiffness: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Intervention TrialJ Am Heart Assoc · PMID 35253448 and 7 more on the Magnesium page
	Serum Magnesium	Improves (the measure goes up)		6 studies	24 people
Studies that measured serum magnesium Oral magnesium supplementation improves insulin sensitivity in non-diabetic subjects with insulin resistance. A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial.Diabetes Metab · PMID 15223977 Short-Term Magnesium Therapy Alleviates Moderate Stress in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial.Nutrients · PMID 35631229 The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trialJ Res Med Sci · PMID 23853635 and 3 more on the Magnesium page
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	444 people
Studies that measured c-reactive protein (crp) Effect of Magnesium Supplementation on Inflammatory Parameters: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsNutrients · PMID 35277037 Magnesium supplementation improves indicators of low magnesium status and inflammatory stress in adults older than 51 years with poor quality sleepMagnes Res · PMID 21199787 The effect of long-term magnesium intake on inflammatory markers in patients with metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Front Nutr · PMID 41245414
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	24 people
Studies that measured triglycerides The effect of magnesium supplementation on serum concentration of lipid profile: an updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials.Nutr J · PMID 39905454 Effects of magnesium on postprandial serum lipid responses in healthy human subjectsBr J Nutr · PMID 19941679
	HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			24 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			24 people
	Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			37 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			24 people
	TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			37 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			24 people

Chromium

Blood glucose: improves
Weight: improves
Glycemic Control: improves

Chromium: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	6 studies	60 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Effects of acute chromium supplementation on postprandial metabolism in healthy young menJ Am Coll Nutr · 2004 · PMID 15310739 Effect of Chromium Supplementation on Blood Glucose and Lipid Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysisBiol Trace Elem Res · PMID 33783683 Beneficial effects of oral chromium picolinate supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized clinical studyJ Trace Elem Med Biol · PMID 26302914 and 3 more on the Chromium page
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		12 studies	60 people
Studies that measured weight Chromium picolinate supplementation in women: effects on body weight, composition, and iron statusNutrition · PMID 17291720 Effect of resistance training with or without chromium picolinate supplementation on glucose metabolism in older men and womenMetabolism · PMID 10337851 Chromium supplementation shortens QTc interval duration in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitusAm Heart J · PMID 15990745 and 9 more on the Chromium page
	Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		9 studies	60 people
Studies that measured glycemic control The effects of inorganic chromium and brewer's yeast on glucose tolerance, plasma lipids, and plasma chromium in elderly subjectsAm J Clin Nutr · 1985 · PMID 3898805 Chromium picolinate supplementation attenuates body weight gain and increases insulin sensitivity in subjects with type 2 diabetesDiabetes Care · PMID 16873787 Chromium treatment has no effect in patients with type 2 diabetes in a Western population: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialDiabetes Care · PMID 17303791 and 6 more on the Chromium page
	HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	60 people
Studies that measured hba1c Potential antioxidant effects of zinc and chromium supplementation in people with type 2 diabetes mellitusJ Am Coll Nutr · PMID 11444416 Lack of effect of chromium supplementation on mental state and body weight in people with schizophreniaJ Clin Psychopharmacol · PMID 16974208 Chromium picolinate does not improve key features of metabolic syndrome in obese nondiabetic adultsMetab Syndr Relat Disord · PMID 19422140 and 1 more on the Chromium page
	Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	550 people
Studies that measured oxidative stress biomarkers The effect of chromium intake on oxidative stress parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis.J Trace Elem Med Biol · PMID 34710707 Antioxidant effects of chromium supplementation with type 2 diabetes mellitus and euglycemic subjectsJ Agric Food Chem · PMID 14995150
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	399 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	60 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies		1 study	60 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	60 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	60 people
	vLDL-C	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	60 people
	Food Intake	Changes; see studies			60 people
	Glutathione (GSH)	Improves (the measure goes up)			550 people
	Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			399 people
	Superoxide Dismutase Activity	Improves (the measure goes up)			550 people
	TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			399 people
	Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)			550 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			60 people

Panax Ginseng (Korean Ginseng)

Blood glucose: improves
Insulin: changes; see studies
Glycemic Control: improves

Panax Ginseng (Korean Ginseng): outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	3 studies	48 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		3 studies	48 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	48 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			48 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)			48 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			48 people
LDL Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes down)			48 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			48 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			48 people

Zinc

Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile: improves
Apolipoprotein A: improves
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves

Zinc: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	1 study	40 people
Apolipoprotein A	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	60 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	60 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	120 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		1 study	120 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	100 people
Apolipoprotein B	Improves (the measure goes down)			60 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)			120 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			60 people
LDL Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes down)			60 people
Leptin	Improves (the measure goes up)			60 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			120 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			60 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			60 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			120 people

Milk Protein

Blood glucose
Blood Pressure: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves

Milk Protein: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Outcome	Effect	Studies	People
Blood glucose Mixed effect		1 study	4,229 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		822 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		76 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		44 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		76 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		76 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		76 people

Grape Seed Extract

Blood Pressure: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Triglycerides: improves

Grape Seed Extract: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood Pressure Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	27 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	27 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	27 people
LDL Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes down)			27 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			27 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			27 people

Melatonin

Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile: improves
Blood Pressure: improves
Blood glucose: improves

Melatonin: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	1 study	30 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	30 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)			30 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)			30 people
Fibrinogen	Improves (the measure goes up)			30 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			30 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			30 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)			30 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			30 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			30 people

Green Tea Extract

Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves
Weight: improves

Green Tea Extract: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Oxidative Stress Biomarkers Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		35 people
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	35 people

Spirulina

Adiponectin: improves
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
Total cholesterol: improves

Spirulina: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		52 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	510 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	510 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	52 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	510 people
Appetite	Changes; see studies		1 study	52 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	510 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	510 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	52 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)			52 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			510 people
Hip Circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			52 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			510 people
Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)			52 people
vLDL-C	Improves (the measure goes down)			510 people
Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			52 people
Waist-Hip Ratio	Improves (the measure goes up)			52 people

Betaine

Apolipoprotein A: improves
Homocysteine: changes; see studies
Serum Cobalamin: improves

Betaine: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Apolipoprotein A Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		27 people
Homocysteine	Changes; see studies		4 studies	61 people
Serum Cobalamin	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	34 people
Fibrinogen	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	27 people
Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies		1 study	27 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			27 people
LDL Oxidation	Changes; see studies			27 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			27 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			27 people
Plasminogen Inhibitor-1	Improves (the measure goes up)			27 people
Serum Folate	Improves (the measure goes up)			34 people

L-Carnitine

Adiponectin: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Total cholesterol: improves

L-Carnitine: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		32 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		12 studies	321 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	207 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	303 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	375 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		3 studies	30 people
Free Fatty Acids	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	30 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies		2 studies	30 people
Atherosclerotic Signs	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	177 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	66 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	30 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	30 people
Apolipoprotein A	Improves (the measure goes up)			30 people
Apolipoprotein B	Improves (the measure goes down)			30 people
Appetite	Changes; see studies			30 people
Fatigue Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)			30 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			62 people
Hip Circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			30 people
Lipoprotein(a)	Improves (the measure goes up)			30 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			207 people
Uric Acid	Improves (the measure goes down)			30 people
Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			115 people

Olive Leaf Extract

Blood glucose: improves
Blood Pressure: improves
Liver Enzymes: changes; see studies

Olive Leaf Extract: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		45 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	45 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies		1 study	45 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	45 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			45 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			45 people
IGF Binding Protein	Improves (the measure goes up)			45 people
IGF-1	Improves (the measure goes up)			45 people
Inflammation	Improves (the measure goes down)			45 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			45 people
LDL Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes down)			45 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			45 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			45 people

Akkermansia muciniphila

Insulinemia: improves

Akkermansia muciniphila: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Insulinemia -34% reduction in plasma insulin levels	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect		32 people

Cocoa Extract

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Triglycerides: improves
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves

Cocoa Extract: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) No effect		NoneNo effect	13 studies	23 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	23 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	23 people
LDL Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes down)			23 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			23 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			23 people
vLDL-C	Improves (the measure goes down)			23 people

Conjugated Linoleic Acid

Body Fat
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves

Conjugated Linoleic Acid: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Body Fat No effect		NoneNo effect	7 studies	60 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		6 studies	60 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	60 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	60 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		4 studies	60 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			60 people

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Blood Pressure
Inflammation: changes; see studies

Alpha-Lipoic Acid: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Blood Pressure No effect		NoneNo effect	3 studies	58 people
	Inflammation	Changes; see studies		2 studies	58 people

Roselle

Blood glucose
Blood Pressure: improves
Triglycerides: improves

Roselle: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	94 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	94 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	94 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			94 people
Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)			94 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			94 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			94 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			94 people
Urea	Improves (the measure goes up)			94 people

Astaxanthin

Blood glucose
Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
Triglycerides: changes; see studies

Astaxanthin: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	175 people
Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies		2 studies	450 people
Triglycerides	Changes; see studies		2 studies	445 people
Body Mass Index (BMI)	Changes; see studies		1 study	162 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	485 people
Blood Pressure	Changes; see studies			297 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			485 people

Hesperidin

Apolipoprotein A
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
Blood glucose: improves

Hesperidin: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Apolipoprotein A No effect		NoneNo effect		24 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	24 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	24 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	24 people
Blood Flow	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	24 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	24 people
Apolipoprotein B	Improves (the measure goes down)			24 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			24 people
Cell Adhesion Factors	Improves (the measure goes down)			24 people
Fibrinogen	Improves (the measure goes up)			24 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			24 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			24 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			24 people
Homocysteine	Improves (the measure goes down)			24 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			24 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			24 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			24 people

Flaxseed

Adiponectin
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
Leptin: improves

Flaxseed: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin No effect		NoneNo effect		284 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	697 people
Leptin	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	284 people
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	697 people
Glutathione (GSH)	Improves (the measure goes up)			697 people
Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			697 people
Nitric Oxide	Improves (the measure goes up)			697 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			697 people

Probiotics

Body Mass Index (BMI)
Weight: improves
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves

Probiotics: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Body Mass Index (BMI) No effect		NoneNo effect		244 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	422 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			412 people
Visceral Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)			231 people
Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			297 people

Casein

Blood glucose
Triglycerides: improves
Blood Pressure: improves

Casein: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect		80 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	121 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			183 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			121 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			30 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			121 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			121 people

Roselle

Blood glucose
Blood Pressure: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves

Roselle: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Outcome	Effect	Size	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect	94 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		94 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		94 people
Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)		94 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies		94 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		94 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		94 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		94 people
Urea	Improves (the measure goes up)		94 people

Dill

Blood glucose
Total cholesterol: improves
Blood Pressure: improves

Dill: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect		200 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	270 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			20 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			100 people
Heart Rate	Improves (the measure goes down)			20 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			270 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			100 people
Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)			20 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			20 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			270 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			270 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			20 people
White Blood Cell Count	Improves (the measure goes up)			20 people

Soy Protein

Blood glucose
Blood Pressure: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves

Soy Protein: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect		521 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	1,203 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			1,008 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			4,229 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			982 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			998 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			1,087 people

Bitter Melon

Traditional Use for Metabolic Syndrome

Bitter Melon: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	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 effect

Resistant Starch

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
TNF-Alpha: improves
Interleukin 6: improves

Resistant Starch: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) No effect		NoneNo effect		467 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	467 people
Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			467 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)			467 people
Superoxide Dismutase Activity	Improves (the measure goes up)			467 people
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)			467 people

Coenzyme Q10

Blood Pressure: improves

Coenzyme Q10: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	30 people

Fish Oil

Blood Pressure: improves

Fish Oil: outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	65 people

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Glycemic Control: worsens

Niacin (Vitamin B3): outcomes studied for Metabolic Syndrome
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	20 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	20 people
Glycemic Control Small Detriment	Worsens (the measure goes down)	Small effect		20 people
Hepatic Glucose Production	Changes; see studies			20 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			20 people
vLDL-C	Improves (the measure goes down)			20 people

Key findings

Blood glucoseSaffronImproves (the measure goes down)
AdiponectinCurcuminImproves (the measure goes up)
TriglyceridesDihydroberberineImproves (the measure goes down)

The Metabolic Syndrome protocol

2 primary supplements · 4 supporting supplements

Berberine500 mg 2–3× daily with meals
Omega-3 Fatty Acids2–4 g EPA/DHA daily

See the full protocol

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Studies cited

11 studies from PubMed

Effects of 8-hour time restricted feeding on body weight and metabolic disease risk factors in obese adults: A pilot studyNutr Healthy Aging · PMID 29951594
Comparison of the Mediterranean Diet and Other Therapeutic Strategies in Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Int J Mol Sci · PMID 40565352
The Effect of the Mediterranean Diet on Metabolic Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials in Adults.Nutrients · PMID 33143083
Lack of Efficacy of Pomegranate Supplementation on Insulin Resistance and Sensitivity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Phytother Res · PMID 39499092
Paleolithic nutrition for metabolic syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysisAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 26269362
Effects of Regular Kefir Consumption on Gut Microbiota in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Parallel-Group, Randomized, Controlled StudyNutrients · PMID 31487797
Aged garlic extract improves adiponectin levels in subjects with metabolic syndrome: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover studyMediators Inflamm · PMID 23533302
Dietary carbohydrate restriction improves metabolic syndrome independent of weight lossJCI Insight · PMID 31217353
Very low carbohydrate (ketogenic) diets in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Diabetes Obes Metab · PMID 36064937
The effects of grapefruit on weight and insulin resistance: relationship to the metabolic syndromeJ Med Food · PMID 16579728
Association of Major Food Sources of Fructose-Containing Sugars With Incident Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.JAMA Netw Open · PMID 32644139

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