Dietary treatment of the metabolic syndrome

Article type: Review Article

Authors: Tatti, P.^a | Neri, M.^a

Affiliations: [a] Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit, ASL RMH, Via XXIV Maggio, Marino, 00047 Rome, Italy. e-mail: tatti0@tin.it

Abstract: The metabolic syndrome consists of a group of metabolic abnormalities that at least in the early phases are easily treated with a nutritional intervention. Although there has been considerable debate in the past is now evident that the quality and the quantity of the dietary carbohydrate (CHO) content has a central role in the control of the hyperglycemia and the coexistent hyperlipidemia. Also the favorable role of the Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA) has emerged. Although the effect of some micronutrients is still to be defined and any dietary advice should be tested at the individual level, clear guidelines for the treatment of these subjects have now been defined.

Keywords: Metabolic syndrome, Nutritional treatment, MUFA, Carbohydrate content

DOI: 10.3233/s12349-009-0035-9

Journal: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 11-13, 2009