A clinical study published in Frontiers in Nutrition examined whether a food supplement containing citrus and red grape extracts, hesperidin, and chromium could support metabolic health in people with impaired fasting glucose (IFG). The six-month, single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 62 Italian adults aged 18–75 with fasting blood glucose between 100 and 125 mg/dL.
Half of the participants received two daily tablets containing 250 µg of chromium and 560 mg of flavonoids from Citrus limon, Vitis vinifera, and Citrus sinensis. Both groups followed an isocaloric DASH diet and were monitored at baseline, three months, and six months for fasting glucose, HbA1c, insulin, and lipid profiles.
Fasting blood glucose served as the primary outcome, with HbA1c, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and lipid fractions as secondary endpoints. After six months, fasting glucose decreased from 114 to 94 mg/dL in the supplement group, reaching normal levels after three months. In the placebo group, glucose declined from 113 to 107 mg/dL but remained within the prediabetes range.
HbA1c dropped only in the supplement group, while insulin and HOMA-IR were unchanged. Lipid profiles also improved, with LDL cholesterol falling from 114 to 73 mg/dL, HDL increasing from 38 to 56 mg/dL, and triglycerides decreasing. In contrast, triglycerides rose in the placebo group. Liver and kidney function markers remained stable, indicating good tolerability.
Researchers concluded that the formulation may help normalize fasting glucose and improve lipid balance in people with IFG. They noted that the results are limited by the single-center design, the exclusion of participants with a BMI above 30, and the absence of post-trial follow-up. Additional multicenter studies are recommended to confirm the findings and assess long-term outcomes.
Source: News Medical Life Sciences
