Impact of a Formulation Containing Unusual Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Trace Elements, Polyphenols and Plant Sterols on Insulin Resistance and Associated Disturbances

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the effect of a lipid-based formulation containing unusual polyunsaturated fatty acids, trace elements, polyphenols and plant sterols on insulin resistance and its associated disturbances among adults at risk of diabetes. METHODS: This was an 8-week, three-arm, open-label randomized clinical trial. We studied individuals aged ≥ 18 years old with diabetes risk given by a body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m(2) or a FinnRisc score ≥ 13/20. Participants were randomly assigned to receive: 7 ml sunflower oil (control group), 3.5 ml of the study formulation + 3.5 ml of sunflower oil (low-dose group) or 7 ml of study formulation (high-dose group). RESULTS: We randomized 25 individuals. After one withdrawal in the high-dose group, the study sample comprised nine patients in the control, nine in the low-dose and six in the high-dose groups. The insulin sensitivity increased significantly and in a dose-dependent fashion, up to 10% in the high-dose group. At week 8 the low-dose group exhibited lower glycemic excursions during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), especially 1 h after the glucose challenge (32 mg/dl or 23% lower vs. control group). The incremental area under the glucose curve in the OGTT was 17.1% lower in the low-dose group vs. the control group. Waist circumference increased in the control group, remained constant in the low-dose group and decreased in the high-dose group. C-reactive protein decreased in both formulation groups, up to 50% in the high-dose group. Participants in the formulation groups exhibited increased secretion of GLP-1 and plasma irisin at week 8 vs. the control group. CONCLUSION: The formulation induced favorable changes in insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, abdominal obesity and inflammation. These effects and their durability will need to be assessed in larger studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03512665. FUNDING: Team Foods Colombia.