UltraMeal® PLUS 360° Plus Mediterranean Diet Reduces Metabolic Syndrome

NEW YORKCombining the medical food UltraMeal® PLUS 360° (from Metagenics Inc.) with a low-glycemic, Mediterranean-style diet reduces the risk of heart disease more than following the Mediterranean diet alone, according to a new study published  in the May/June issue of the Journal of Clinical Lipidology, a publication of the National Lipid Association (Clin Lipidol. 2011.May-June;5(3):188-96)

The multicenter clinical trial also found UltraMeal® PLUS 360° was 40-percent more likely to resolve metabolic syndrome, a condition affecting one-third of all American adults that increases the risk for heart disease and diabetes. Researchers believe patients who incorporate the medical food into their diets as well as make necessary life style changes can improve their health faster than by using a Mediterranean diet alone.

The clinical trial, which was conducted at three universities, the University of Connecticut, Storrs; the University of Florida, Jacksonville; and the University of California, Irvine, consisted of 89 women between the ages of 20 and 75. To be eligible for the study, they had to have a low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol of more than 2.59 mmol/L (100 mg/dL), triglyceride level equal to or greater than 1.70 mmol/L (150 mg/dL), and meet two of the four remaining criteria for metabolic syndrome.  These requirements are based on standards set forth in the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) criteria. Participants with heart, liver or kidney disease or who were using blood sugar or cholesterol-lowering agents were excluded. Those with type 2 diabetes were also not excluded.

Chronic illness is draining our healthcare resources and keeping millions of people from enjoying healthy, vibrant lives," said Robert H. Lerman, M.D., Ph.D., director of medicine and extramural clinical research for Metagenics Inc. Many of these illnesses are the result of long-term lifestyle and behavior choices. This study is important because it shows how effective UltraMeal® PLUS 360°is in resolving metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors in affected individuals and identifies a powerful new approach to combating chronic illness."

Mark S. McIntosh, M.D., one of the principal researchers who is the director of corporate wellness and assistant professor in the department of emergency medicine at the University of Florida, added, Its very important for physicians to learn about these new findings. Doctors have not been trained to take a therapeutic lifestyle approach with patients who have metabolic syndrome. Programs like Metagenics FirstLine Therapy® are needed to provide the tools and support for physicians to change the way they practice and to help patients make real lifestyle changes."

In addition to Dr. McIntosh, the other two principal researchers were Maria Luz Fernandez, Ph.D., professor in the department of nutritional sciences at the University of Connecticut and Wadie I. Najm, M.D., clinical professor in the department of family medicine at the University of California. The study was sponsored by Metagenics.