Vitamins & Nutritional Supplements for Insulin Resistance Syndrome

Glucomannan, a type of water-soluble dietary fiber, may reduce many risk factors in people with IRS. A double-blind trial found that 8–13 grams per day of glucomannan significantly improved several measures of blood cholesterol control and one measure of blood glucose control in people with IRS. Another double-blind study of healthy people found that 30 grams per day of guar gum, a fiber similar to glucomannan, improved insulin sensitivity and many other components of IRS, including blood pressure and blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides, leading the authors to recommend guar gum for people with IRS. However, in another study, obese people taking 8–16 grams per day of guar gum for 6–12 weeks did not experience any change in insulin sensitivity.

Vitamin E, 800–1,350 IU per day, has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity in both healthy and hypertensive people in double-blind studies. Research is needed to investigate this effect in people with IRS.

One double blind trial found that 1,500 mg per day of calcium improved insulin sensitivity in people with hypertension. No research on the effects of calcium in people with IRS has been done.

Magnesium deficiency can reduce insulin sensitivity, and low dietary intake and low blood levels of magnesium have been associated with greater insulin resistance in nondiabetic people. However, no studies of magnesium supplementation in people with IRS have been done...