Nutraceuticals and Metabolic Health: Can Supplements Prevent Metabolic Syndrome? A Narrative Review

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) encompasses a spectrum of disease pathologies that include dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance, hypertension, obesity, and inflammation. The rising prevalence of MetS and the associated morbidity and mortality represent a growing burden on global healthcare. MetS’s hallmarks are readily quantified and can be used to assess development and progression of the syndrome. Nutraceuticals, bioactive compounds derived from natural sources such as plants, fruits, cultures and grains, have a potential role in protection against cardiometabolic diseases. Relevant actions of nutraceuticals include their antioxidant, probiotic, anti-inflammatory, insulin-sensitising, lipid-modifying, anti-adiposity, and endothelial protective functions. This review explores the evidence for common nutrient deficiencies in metabolic syndrome alongside their role in preventing and modifying the complex elements that characterise this prevalent disease cluster.