Fucus vesiculosus and Ascophyllum nodosum have been traditionally used for the treatment of obesity and several gastrointestinal diseases. We have recently demonstrated that the phytocomplex obtained from these algae (Gdue™) controls postprandial glucose levels in a mouse model of steatohepatitis, a condition often associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We analyzed the effect of Gdue™ on HOMA index, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels in overweight or obese subjects. Waist circumference decreased significantly after 6 months of treatment (112 ± 17 at t0 vs 105 ± 13 cm after 6 months of treatment; p<0.0001). Both blood glucose and insulin levels were significantly reduced after 6 months of treatment with Gdue™ (110 ± 15 at t0 vs 98 ± 15 mg/dL after 6 months for glucose; p<0.0001; 22.6 ± 9.5 at t0 vs 17.8 ± 8.6 μU/mL after 6 months for insulin; p<0.05). Accordingly, HOMA index decreased significantly (6.103 ± 2.548 at t0 vs 4.419 ± 2.382 after 6 months; p<0.01), suggesting an improvement of insulin sensitivity status. This phytocomplex represents a useful dietary supplement for controlling relevant metabolic syndrome risk factors, such as waist circumference, fasting insulin and glucose levels.
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