Demystifying Dietary Recommendations in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Authors

Monique Jaquith, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Endocrine, Nutrition

Advisor

Elyse Watkins, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA

Abstract

The National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel defines metabolic syndrome as having at least three of the following five risk factors: abdominal adiposity, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and a proinflammatory state.1 The worldwide prevalence of metabolic syndrome is rising and is currently between 34% and 39%.2 The need to understand the best nutritional guidelines for preventing and treating metabolic syndrome is becoming increasingly imperative. This essay reviews the current nutritional guidelines from the United States Department of Agriculture, the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and the American Diabetic Association. It compares the guidelines against the latest medical literature to determine best the nutritional approaches to prevent and treat metabolic syndrome. The author concludes that the Mediterranean diet impacts the largest number of metabolic syndrome components. Individuals with metabolic syndrome or who are at risk of metabolic syndrome should eat a Mediterranean-based diet.

Recommended Citation

Jaquith M. Demystifying Dietary Recommendations in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2021; 3(3).