• Ciro Langella, Daniele Naviglio, Marina Marino, and Monica Gallo.
• Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
• Nutrition. 2015 Jan 1;31(1):180-6.

ObjectivesCurrently, there are numerous studies on risk factors for cardiovascular disease and the potential for functional foods to bring benefits or improve people's health. However, most of these studies are conducted with middle-aged individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementing a typical diet with some functional components, which are substances that when consumed in small quantities can improve people's welfare.MethodsThe participants in this study were young; slightly overweight; had normal glucose tolerance; and had lipid values indicating dyslipidemia or close dyslipidemia. Following a 4-wk run-in phase, participants followed either a diet containing foods enriched with ω-3 fatty acids, β-glucans, phytosterols, and vitamin E or an isoenergetic diet without the active components. Sixteen individuals (age range 20 to 37 y) were randomly assigned to one of two groups. At the end of treatment, while fasting, plasma concentrations of triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol were measured. Furthermore, blood glucose was evaluated after fasting and after a meal enriched with β-glucans.ResultsThere was a statistically significant reduction (α < 0.05) across the lipid profile. A meal rich in β-glucans produced a glycemic response significantly lower than the nonenriched meal.ConclusionThe dietary supplements used in this work, based on the integration of functional components into the usual diet of the population, have proved effective in reducing peak levels of postprandial glucose and the risk for dyslipidemia. Therefore, these functional components proved a valuable aid in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders.Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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