Metabolism

Hesperidin and vitamin D support metabolic factors

Hesperidin improved lipids, inflammation, and BP

The flavonoid hesperidin may protect against heart and circulatory conditions. This review of 13 studies covered 705 participants, aged 35 to 70, with body mass index scores from 23.1 to 31.7 kg/m2, who took doses of hesperidin from 292 to 1,000 mg per day, in trials from three to 12 weeks. Participants had diagnoses of high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, previous heart events, or were overweight and otherwise healthy. Amateur cyclists were also included.

At doses of at least 500 mg of hesperidin per day, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, fasting blood sugar levels, and the inflammatory factor, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, all declined significantly beginning at six weeks. Doses of 1,000 mg hesperidin for more than eight weeks lowered insulin levels.

Reference: Frontiers in Nutrition; 2023, Vol. 10, Article No. 1177708

Vitamin D deficiency 
raises A1c and BMI

In this study of 415 older men and women, with or without deteriorating muscle mass (sarcopenia), doctors measured vitamin D levels, and considered levels below 20 nanograms per milliliter of blood (ng/mL) as deficient.

Men were more likely than women to be deficient; 64.5 vs. 35.2 percent, respectively, with average vitamin D levels 18.1 ng/mL vs. 25.1 ng/mL, respectively. Both men and women had higher long-term average blood sugar levels (A1c). Men had higher fat mass and lower muscle strength. Women had higher body mass index scores and the inflammatory marker, tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

As vitamin D levels increased, A1c, body mass index scores, and inflammatory markers all improved significantly in women, but not in men.

Reference: Nutrients; 2023, Vol. 15, No. 13, nu15133043