Elevating the significance of legume intake: A novel strategy to counter aging-related mitochondrial dysfunction and physical decline

Mitochondrial dysfunction increasingly becomes a target for promoting healthy aging and longevity. The dysfunction of mitochondria with age ultimately leads to a decline in physical functions. Among them, biogenesis dysfunction and the imbalances in the metabolism of reactive oxygen species and mitochondria as signaling organelles in the aging process have aroused our attention. Dietary intervention in mitochondrial dysfunction and physical decline during aging processes is essential, and greater attention should be directed toward healthful legume intake. Legumes are constantly under investigation for their nutritional and bioactive properties, and their consumption may yield antiaging and mitochondria-protecting benefits. This review summarizes mitochondrial dysfunction with age, discusses the benefits of legumes on mitochondrial function, and introduces the potential role of legumes in managing aging-related physical decline. Additionally, it reveals the benefits of legume intake for the elderly and offers a viable approach to developing legume-based functional food.

Biochemical Characterization of the Seed Quality of a Collection of White Lupin Landraces from Southern Italy

Lupin species provide essential nutrients and bioactive compounds. Within pulses, they have one of the highest contents of proteins and fibers and are among the poorest in carbohydrates. The Mediterranean region is an important cradle area of the origin and domestication of cultivated white lupin (Lupinus albus L.). In this work, we present the characterization of 19 white lupin landraces collected from several sites in southern Italy, characterized by different pedoclimatic conditions. The protein contents and electrophoretic patterns, total polyphenols, phytic acid, lipids and phosphorous content, and reducing and anti-tryptic activities have been determined for each landrace. The relationships of the compositional characteristics, the area of origin of landraces and between compositional characteristics and thermo-pluviometric trends that occurred in the genotype comparison field during the two-year period between 2019 and 2020 are compared and discussed. From a nutritional point of view, some of the analyzed landraces differ from the commercial reference. The panel of molecular analyses performed can help in building an identity card for the grain to rapidly identify those varieties with the desired characteristics.

Therapeutic Applications and Effects of Lupinus angustifolius (Blue Lupin) and Its Components: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Lupinus angustifolius has a unique nutrient profile among legumes and may have beneficial health effects when included in the diet. The aim of this study was to investigate the biological properties of blue lupin (Lupinus angustifolius), its chemical components, and their relevance for monitoring biological and anthropometric health markers, including triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), BMI, weight, and glycemia, compared with control groups with other kinds of diets. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, updated to December 2023, were searched. Out of the 194 studies identified, a total of 7 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comprising 302 participants met the eligibility criteria. The results of our study indicated that the blue lupin diet has a direct relationship with parameters such as blood glucose, weight, and LDL-C but not with TGs or BMI. In conclusion, the research described in this review clearly indicates that L. angustifolius may play an important role in the dietary prevention of hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Therefore, it would be highly advisable to increase its consumption in diets. However, further studies, ideally in humans, are required to truly establish L. angustifolius's health-promoting properties.

β-Conglutins' Unique Mobile Arm Is a Key Structural Domain Involved in Molecular Nutraceutical Properties of Narrow-Leafed Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.)

Narrow-leafed lupin (NLL; Lupinus angustifolius L.) has multiple nutraceutical properties that may result from unique structural features of β-conglutin proteins, such as the mobile arm at the N-terminal, a structural domain rich in α-helices. A similar domain has not been found in other vicilin proteins of legume species. We used affinity chromatography to purify recombinant complete and truncated (without the mobile arm domain, tβ5 and tβ7) forms of NLL β5 and β7 conglutin proteins. We then used biochemical and molecular biology techniques in ex vivo and in vitro systems to evaluate their anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidant capacity. The complete β5 and β7 conglutin proteins decreased pro-inflammatory mediator levels (e.g., nitric oxide), mRNA expression levels (iNOS, TNFα, IL-1β), and the protein levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, interleukins (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-17, IL-27), and other mediators (INFγ, MOP, S-TNF-R1/-R2, and TWEAK), and exerted a regulatory oxidative balance effect in cells as demonstrated in glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase assays. The truncated tβ5 and tβ7 conglutin proteins did not have these molecular effects. These results suggest that β5 and β7 conglutins have potential as functional food components due to their anti-inflammatory and oxidative cell state regulatory properties, and that the mobile arm of NLL β-conglutin proteins is a key domain in the development of nutraceutical properties, making NLL β5 and β7 excellent innovative candidates as functional foods.

Nutritional composition and biological activity of narrow-leafed lupins (Lupinus angustifolius L.) hydrolysates and seeds

Lupins are an interesting source of nutrients, part of the Fabaceae family. More specifically, narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) is a legume, largely produced in Australia, which is used both for human food and animal fodder. There is a growing interest in plant proteins-derived products due to benefits for the ecosystem and lower production costs compared to traditional animal sources of protein. This review aimed to summarize major and minor chemical components in Lupinus angustifolius L., and potential health benefits of this plant and product thereof. In particular, the protein fraction of Lupinus and their biological properties are described. L. angustifolius seed and proteins by-products can be used as a valuable source of high value-added compounds for diverse food products with the goal to maximize its economic value.

Narrow Leafed Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) β-Conglutin Seed Proteins as a New Natural Cytotoxic Agents against Breast Cancer Cells

Breast cancer (BC) is the most widespread tumor in women and the second type of most common cancer worldwide. Despite all the technical and medical advances in existing therapies, between 30 and 50% of patients with BC will develop metastasis, which contributes to the failure of existing treatments. This situation urges the need to find more effective prevention and treatment strategies like the use of plant-based nutraceutical compounds. In this context, we purified three Narrow Leafed Lupin (NLL) β-conglutins isoforms using affinity-chromatography and evaluated their effectiveness in terms of viability, proliferation, apoptosis, stemness properties, and mechanism of action on both BC cell lines and a healthy one. NLL β-conglutins proteins have very promising effects at the molecular level on BC cells at very low concentrations, emerging as a potential natural cytotoxic agent and preserving the viability of healthy cells. These proteins could act through a dual mechanism involving tumorigenic and stemness-related genes such as SIRT1 and FoxO1, depending on the state of p53. More studies must be carried out to completely understand the underlying mechanisms of action of these nutraceutical compounds in BC in vitro and in vivo, and their potential use for the inhibition of other cancer cell types.

The role of interleukin-1β in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multifactorial non-communicable disease that is characterized by insulin resistance and chronic sub-clinical inflammation. Among the emerging inflammatory markers observed to be associated with β-cell damage is interleukin 1β (IL1β), a proinflammatory cytokine that modulates important metabolic processes including insulin secretion and β-cell apoptosis. The present systematic review and meta-analysis gathers available evidence on the emerging role of IL1β in T2DM. PubMed and Embase were searched for human studies that assessed 1L1β in T2DM individuals from 2016-2021. Thirteen studies (N=2680; T2DM=1182, controls=1498) out of 523 were included in the systematic review and only 3 studies in the meta-analysis. Assays were the most commonly used quantification method and lipopolysaccharides as the most common stimulator for IL1β upregulation. Random and fixed effects meta-analysis showed non-significant mean differences of IL1β concentrations between the T2DM and controls. Given the high heterogeneity and small subset of studies included, caution is advised in the interpretation of results. The present systematic review and meta-analysis highlights the limited evidence available that could implicate 1L1β as a potent biomarker for T2DM. Standardization of 1L1β assays with larger sample sizes are encouraged in future observational and prospective studies.

Identification of a vicilin-like major allergen from Prosopis juliflora exhibiting cross- reactivity with legume food allergens

BACKGROUND

Prosopis juliflora is a clinically relevant allergic sensitizer worldwide and shares cross-reactivity with allergens from several tree pollen and food. The present study aims to purify and immunobiochemically characterize a major allergen from Prosopis pollen. The allergen was further investigated for its cross-reactivity with legume allergens.

METHODS

Prosopis extract was fractionated by Q Sepharose and Superdex 75 gel filtration column to purify the allergen. Specific IgE against purified protein was estimated via ELISA and immunoblot. The protein was subjected to mass spectrometric analysis. Glycan characterization was performed by Schiff staining and lectin binding assay followed by deglycosylation studies. The functional activity of the purified protein was evaluated by the basophil activation test. Cross-reactivity was assessed by inhibition studies with legume extracts.

RESULTS

A 35 kDa protein was purified and showed 75% IgE reactivity with the patients' sera by ELISA and immunoblot. Glycan characterization of protein demonstrated the presence of terminal glucose and mannose residues. A reduction of 40% and 27% in IgE binding was observed upon chemical and enzymatic deglycosylation of the protein, respectively. The glycoprotein allergen upregulates the expression of CD203c on basophils which was significantly reduced upon deglycosylation, signifying its biological ability to activate the effector cells. The identified protein shared significant homology with Lup an 1 from the lupine bean. Immunoblot inhibition studies of the purified allergen with legume extracts underlined high cross-reactive potential. Complete inhibition was observed with peanut and common bean, while up to 70% inhibition was demonstrated with soy, black gram, chickpea, and lima bean.

CONCLUSION

A 35 kDa vicilin-like major allergen was isolated from P. juliflora. The protein possesses glycan moieties crucial for IgE binding and basophil activation. Furthermore, the purified protein shows homology with Lup an 1 and exhibits cross-reactivity with common edible legume proteins.

Lupin protein isolate improves insulin sensitivity and steatohepatitis in vivo and modulates the expression of the Fasn, Gys2, and Gsk3b genes

Although studies on lupin protein isolate (LPI) have indicated the presence of a preventive effect on insulin resistance (IR) and lipid disturbances, their influence on established pathological traits has received little attention. Here, we evaluated the in vivo effects of LPI on IR and steatohepatitis as well as its influence on genes involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. We first induced IR and steatohepatitis in rats by maintaining them on a high-fat diet for 5 weeks. Thereafter, we administered LPI to the rats daily for 3 weeks. LPI improved insulin sensitivity (AUC: 6,777 ± 232 vs. 4,971 ± 379, p < .05, pre- vs. post-treatment values) and reduced glucose and triglyceride levels by one-third. In addition, LPI-treated rats exhibited attenuated steatohepatitis. At the molecular level, LPI treatment reduced liver Fasn gene expression substantially but increased Gys2 and Gsk3b levels. We concluded that the hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic activities of LPI may be caused by reduced liver lipogenesis and modulation of insulin sensitization mechanisms.

Effect of the acute and chronic administration of Lupinus albus β-conglutin on glycaemia, circulating cholesterol, and genes potentially involved

Constituents of lupin seeds, like γ-conglutin and lupanine, have gained attention as potential complementary treatments for dysglycaemia management. Notwithstanding, the effect of other lupin components on carbohydrate metabolism, including β-conglutin protein, has received little attention. Here, we investigated the influence of the acute and chronic administration of β-conglutin on glycaemia modulation in normal and streptozotocin induced-to-diabetes rats. We analysed the liver transcriptome modulation exerted by β-conglutin in diabetes-induced rats using DNA microarrays to scout for potential molecular targets and pathways involved in this biological response. The acute administration of β-conglutin reduced the incremental area under the curve of glycaemia in normal and diabetes-induced animals. In a seven-day study with diabetic animals, glycaemia increased significantly in non-treated animals but remained unchanged in animals treated with a daily dose of β-conglutin. Total cholesterol was significantly lower at the end of the experimental period (-21.8 %, p = 0.039). The microarray and gene ontology analyses revealed several targets and pathways potentially modulated by β-conglutin treatment, including a possible down-regulation of Jun kinase activity. Moreover, our data indicate that targets related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and estrogenic activity might orchestrate these metabolic effects. In conclusion, our findings show that β-conglutin may help manage postprandial glycaemia and reduce cholesterol levels under the dysglycaemia stage. We identified and proposed new potential molecular targets for further research related to the mechanism of action of β-conglutin.

Lupine allergens: Clinical relevance, molecular characterization, cross-reactivity, and detection strategies

Lupine is commonly utilized as a technological food and ingredient in a great variety of processed products (snacks, bakery, meat, and dairy products) principally owing to its nutritional value and technological properties. However, its ingestion, even at trace amounts (in the range of mg protein per kg of food), can lead to severe adverse reactions in allergic individuals. Lupine belongs to the Leguminosae family, having the conglutins (α-, β-, δ-, and γ-) as allergens, among other proteins. Cross-sensitization of lupine-sensitized individuals with other legume species, mainly peanut, can occur, but the associated clinical reactivity is still unclear. The protection of the sensitized individuals should depend on an avoidance diet, which should rely on the compliance of food labeling and, as such, on their verification by analytical methods. Food processing, such as heat treatments, has an important influence on the structural properties of lupine proteins, altering their detectability and allergenicity. In this review, different aspects related with lupine allergy are described, namely, the overall prevalence, clinical relevance, diagnosis, and treatment. The characterization of lupine allergens and their potential cross-reactivity with other legumes are critically discussed. The effects of food matrix, processing, and digestibility on lupine proteins, as well as the available analytical tools for detecting lupine at trace levels in foods, are also herein emphasized.

Identification of seed storage proteins as the major constituents of the extra virgin olive oil proteome

Proteins are minor components of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), but the nature of the olive oil proteome is still elusive. In this paper, we have uncovered the EVOO proteome for the first time. Seed storage proteins of globulin-type were identified as the most abundant proteins in EVOO, which also contains an active 13-lipoxygenase and several potential allergenic proteins, including the "panallergen" profilin. We validated our proteomic data by Western blotting and enzyme activity assays. Our data also demonstrated that the seed is the main source of proteins in EVOO, while the contribution of the pulp is uncertain and needs further verification. The impact of EVOO proteins on its stability and quality, and on human health is discussed.

Narrow-Leafed Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) Seeds Gamma-Conglutin is an Anti-Inflammatory Protein Promoting Insulin Resistance Improvement and Oxidative Stress Amelioration in PANC-1 Pancreatic Cell-Line

(1) Background: Inflammation molecular cues and insulin resistance development are some of the main contributors for the development and advance of the pathogenesis of inflammatory-related diseases; (2) Methods: We isolated and purified γ-conglutin protein from narrow-leafed lupin (NLL or blue lupin) mature seeds using affinity-chromatography to evaluate its anti-inflammatory activities at molecular level using both, a bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and an insulin resistance pancreatic cell models; (3) Results: NLL γ-conglutin achieved a plethora of functional effects as the strong reduction of cell oxidative stress induced by inflammation through decreasing proteins carbonylation, nitric oxide synthesis and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) transcriptional levels, and raising glutathione (GSH) levels and modulation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase enzymes activities. γ-conglutin induced up-regulated transcriptomic and protein levels of insulin signalling pathway IRS-1, Glut-4, and PI3K, improving glucose uptake, while decreasing pro-inflammatory mediators as iNOs, TNFα, IL-1β, INFγ, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, and IL-27; (4) Conclusion: These results suggest a promising use of NLL γ-conglutin protein in functional foods, which could also be implemented in alternative diagnosis and therapeutic molecular tools helping to prevent and treat inflammatory-related diseases.

Narrow-Leafed Lupin Main Allergen β-Conglutin (Lup an 1) Detection and Quantification Assessment in Natural and Processed Foods

The increasing prevalence of lupin allergy as a consequence to the functional characteristics of a growing number of sweet lupin-derived foods consumption makes the imperious necessity to develop analytical tools for the detection of allergen proteins in foodstuffs. The current study developed a new highly specific, sensitive and accurate ELISA method to detect, identify and quantify the lupin main allergen β-conglutin (Lup an 1) protein in natural and processed food. The implementation of accurate standards made with recombinant conglutin β1, and an anti-Lup an 1 antibody made from a synthetic peptide commonly shared among β-conglutin isoforms from sweet lupin species was able to detect up to 8.1250 ± 0.1701 ng (0.0406 ± 0.0009 ppm) of Lup an 1. This identified even lupin traces present in food samples which might elicit allergic reactions in sensitized consumers, such as β-conglutin proteins detection and quantification in processed (roasted, fermented, boiled, cooked, pickled, toasted, pasteurized) food, while avoiding cross-reactivity (false positive) with other legumes as peanut, chickpea, lentils, faba bean, and cereals. This study demonstrated that this new ELISA method constitutes a highly sensitive and reliable molecular tool able to detect, identify and quantify Lup an 1. This contributes to a more efficient management of allergens by the food industry, the regulatory agencies and clinicians, thus helping to keep the health safety of the consumers.

Lupin seed hydrolysate promotes G-protein-coupled receptor, intracellular Ca2+ and enhanced glycolytic metabolism-mediated insulin secretion from BRIN-BD11 pancreatic beta cells

Lupin seed proteins have been reported to exhibit hypoglycaemic effects in animals and humans following oral administration, however little is known about its mechanism of action. This study investigated the signalling pathway(s) responsible for the insulinotropic effect of the hydrolysate obtained from lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) seed extracts utilizing BRIN-BD11 β-cells. The extract was treated with digestive enzymes to give a hydrolysate rich in biomolecules ≤7 kDa. Cells exhibited hydrolysate induced dose-dependent stimulation of insulin secretion and enhanced intracellular Ca²⁺ and glucose metabolism. The stimulatory effect of the hydrolysate was potentiated by depolarizing concentrations of KCl and was blocked by inhibitors of the ATP sensitive K⁺ channel, Gα_q protein, phospholipase C (PLC) and protein kinase C (PKC). These findings reveal a novel mechanism for lupin hydrolysate stimulated insulin secretion via Gα_q mediated signal transduction (Gα_q/PLC/PKC) in the β-cells. Thus, lupin hydrolysates may have potential for nutraceutical treatment in type 2 diabetes.

INDEL variation in the regulatory region of the major flowering time gene LanFTc1 is associated with vernalization response and flowering time in narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.)

Narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) cultivation was transformed by 2 dominant vernalization-insensitive, early flowering time loci known as Ku and Julius (Jul), which allowed expansion into shorter season environments. However, reliance on these loci has limited genetic and phenotypic diversity for environmental adaptation in cultivated lupin. We recently predicted that a 1,423-bp deletion in the cis-regulatory region of LanFTc1, a FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) homologue, derepressed expression of LanFTc1 and was the underlying cause of the Ku phenotype. Here, we surveyed diverse germplasm for LanFTc1 cis-regulatory variation and identified 2 further deletions of 1,208 and 5,162 bp in the 5' regulatory region, which overlap the 1,423-bp deletion. Additionally, we confirmed that no other polymorphisms were perfectly associated with vernalization responsiveness. Phenotyping and gene expression analyses revealed that Jul accessions possessed the 5,162-bp deletion and that the Jul and Ku deletions were equally capable of removing vernalization requirement and up-regulating gene expression. The 1,208-bp deletion was associated with intermediate phenology, vernalization responsiveness, and gene expression and therefore may be useful for expanding agronomic adaptation of lupin. This insertion/deletion series may also help resolve how the vernalization response is mediated at the molecular level in legumes.

Genetics and Breeding of Lupinus mutabilis: An Emerging Protein Crop

Protein crops have gained increasing interest in recent years, as a transition towards plant-protein based diets appears pivotal to ensure global food security and preserve the environment. The Andean species Lupinus mutabilis emerges as an ideal protein crop with great potential for Europe and other regions with temperate climates. This species is characterized by oil and protein content similar to soybean and is highly valued for its adaptability to colder climates and low input agriculture on marginal land. However, its introduction outside the Andes has yet to take off. To date, L. mutabilis remains an under-studied crop, lacking high yield, early maturity and a consistent breeding history. This review paper identifies L. mutabilis limitations and potential uses, and suggests the main breeding targets for further improvement of this crop. It also highlights the potential of new molecular tools and available germplasm resources that can now be used to establish L. mutabilis as a viable protein crop.

Histological Features of the Olive Seed and Presence of 7S-Type Seed Storage Proteins as Hallmarks of the Olive Fruit Development

The production of olive oil is an important economic engine in the Mediterranean area. Nowadays, olive oil is obtained mainly by mechanical processes, by using the whole fruit as the primary raw material. Although the mesocarp is the main source of lipids contributing to olive oil formation, the seed also contributes to the olive oil composition and attributes. The olive seed is also becoming an interesting emerging material itself when obtained after alternative processing of the olive fruit. Such seed is used for the production of differential oil and a unique flour among other bioactive products, with increasing uses and applications in cosmetics, nutrition, and health. However, olive seed histology has been poorly studied to date. A complete description of its anatomy is described for the first time in the present study by using the 'Picual' cultivar as a model to study the development of the different tissues of the olive seed from 60 to 210 days after anthesis. A deep analysis of the seed coats, endosperm storage tissue and the embryo during their development has been performed. Moreover, a panel of other olive cultivars has been used to compare the weight contribution of the different tissues to the seed, seed weight variability and the number of seeds per fruit. In addition to the histological features, accumulation of seed storage proteins of the 7S-type (β-conglutins) in the seed tissues has been assessed by both biochemical and immunocytochemical methods. These hallmarks will help to settle the basis for future studies related to the location of different metabolites along the olive seed and mesocarp development, and therefore helping to assess the appropriate ripening stage for different commercial and industrial purposes.

Soybean- and Lupin-Derived Peptides Inhibit DPP-IV Activity on In Situ Human Intestinal Caco-2 Cells and Ex Vivo Human Serum

Recent investigations have focused on food-derived peptides as novel natural inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV), a new target for diabetes. This study aimed to optimize fast, sensitive, and cost-effective DPP-IV assays in situ on human intestinal Caco-2 cells and ex vivo on human serum. Both assays were applied to investigate the inhibitory activity of soy and lupin peptides. The best conditions for in situ DPP-IV activity in Caco-2 cells were obtained using 2-day cells and 50 µM Gly-Pro-AMC. Sitagliptin, used as reference inhibitor, showed a dose-dependent response with a 50% inhibition concentration (IC₅₀) of 0.6 µM. A lower IC₅₀ (0.2 µM) was obtained for sitagliptin on human serum incubated with the substrate for 24 h. Both assays were applied to assess the activity of Lup1 (LTFPGSAED) and Soy1 (IAVPTGVA) on DPP-IV. Lup1 and Soy1 inhibited DPP-IV in situ, with IC₅₀ values of of 207.5 and 223.2 µM, respectively, and maintained their inhibitory activity ex vivo on circulating DPP-IV with a slightly lower potency. These assays can be used to characterize the DPP-IV inhibitory activity of food-derived molecules more accurately than in vitro biochemical tests. This combined approach also considers their effects on the circulating form of DPP-IV, correlated to metabolic diseases.

Narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifoliusL.) seed β-conglutins reverse the induced insulin resistance in pancreatic cells

Narrow-leafed lupin β-conglutin proteins may help to prevent and treat insulin resistance through pleiotropic effects.

Nutraceutical approaches to metabolic syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), affecting at least 30% of adults in the Western World, is characterized by three out of five variables, from high triglycerides, to elevated waist circumference and blood pressure. MetS is not characterized by elevated cholesterolemia, but is rather the consequence of a complex interaction of factors generally leading to increased insulin resistance. Drug treatments are of difficult handling, whereas well-characterized nutraceuticals may offer an effective alternative. Among these, functional foods, e.g. plant proteins, have been shown to improve insulin resistance and reduce triglyceride secretion. Pro- and pre-biotics, that are able to modify intestinal microbiome, reduce absorption of specific nutrients and improve the metabolic handling of energy-rich foods. Finally, specific nutraceuticals have proven to be of benefit, in particular, red-yeast rice, berberine, curcumin as well as vitamin D. All these can improve lipid handling by the liver as well as ameliorate insulin resistance. While lifestyle approaches, such as with the Mediterranean diet, may prove to be too complex for the single patient, better knowledge of selected nutraceuticals and more appropriate formulations leading to improved bioavailability will certainly widen the use of these agents, already in large use for the management of these very frequent patient groups. Key messages Functional foods, e.g. plant proteins, improve insulin resistance. Pro- and pre-biotics improve the metabolic handling of energy-rich foods. Nutraceutical can offer a significant help in handling MetS patients being part of lifestyle recommendations.