Modification of metabolic syndrome parameters following the administration of polyglucosamine L112: results of a subgroup analysis of subjects enrolled in a double blind randomised placebo controlled clinical investigation

Background Up to now, scientific literature has not reported studies evaluating the efficacy of polyglucosamine L112 on body weight, insulin resistance, and cholesterol levels in patients with metabolic syndrome, despite its known antioxidant properties and potential to reduce these parameters, making it a promising candidate for treating metabolic syndrome. Objective The aim of this study was to examine the activity of L112 in a subgroup of cases suffering from metabolic syndrome (MS). Methods A subgroup of 26 subjects (8 males and 18 females; age 55 ± 11.3 years; BMI 31.1 ± 1.35 kg/m²) was selected from a previous larger RCT study and statistically analyzed. Among them, 12 subjects were administered a diet and placebo, while 14 were administered a diet and L112 at a dosage of 3 g/day. Results In the placebo group, 3 out of 12 cases (25%) showed resolution of metabolic syndrome (MS), whereas in the L112 group, 7 out of 14 cases (50%) showed resolution. Differences were statistically significant (Fisher χ2p < 0.01). L112 was more effective than placebo on the reduction of BMI, BW, insulin resistance, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and fat mass (FM). No modification of fat-soluble vitamins (Vit A, E, D3, K1) and glucosamine levels was shown. Conclusions Despite a relatively short period of administration (3 months), L112 was found to reduce MS in 50% of the cases, acting as a safe medical device as a single daily treatment.