Metabolic syndrome is one of the greatest health challenges of our time. Obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, and lipid metabolism disorders often occur together – with serious consequences for the heart, circulatory system, and metabolism. At the international online symposium of the Society for Biofactors (GfB), renowned experts emphasized that prevention and therapy of metabolic syndrome greatly benefit from a combination of balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and targeted supplementation with essential biofactors.
Prof. Dr. Yavor Assyov from Sofia University, Bulgaria, warned of the increasing prevalence of sarcopenic obesity – a combination of excessive body fat and declining muscle mass that is gaining importance in the context of metabolic syndrome. Estimates suggest that up to 15% of overweight adults in Europe are affected – and the trend is rising. Sarcopenic obesity significantly increases the risk of chronic diseases and mortality. “Since there are currently no effective pharmacological treatment options available, early diagnosis and targeted interventions are crucial. Further research is needed to improve prevention strategies and to explore possible pharmacological therapies to support muscle health in older adults,” said Prof. Assyov.
Healthy nutrition reduces risk
Prof. Dr. Peter Grimm from the University of Stuttgart-Hohenheim emphasized that nutrition plays a central role in the development and treatment of metabolic syndrome. A 2025 meta-analysis shows that regular consumption of vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and fish significantly reduces the risk, while sugary drinks, refined flour products, and processed meat increase disease likelihood. Prof. Grimm stressed: “A plant-based, high-fiber diet combined with physical activity is an effective way to prevent and treat metabolic syndrome.”
Hidden hunger – deficiency amidst abundance
Prof. Dr. Hans Georg Classen, chairman of the GfB, reminded participants that despite high-calorie diets and overweight, deficiencies in essential biofactors such as vitamins and minerals are common – a phenomenon known as hidden hunger. Such deficiencies may promote or aggravate the onset and progression of diseases like metabolic syndrome. “We repeatedly see that people with overweight can still have significant biofactor deficiencies,” warned Prof. Classen.
Vitamin B12 – an important factor in metabolic syndrome
Prof. Dr. Rima Obeid from Saarland University Hospital pointed out that many clinical conditions, especially in older adults and in people with obesity, diabetes, or prediabetes, can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. “Metabolic syndrome is not a direct cause of vitamin B12 deficiency. However, vitamin B12 deficiency can worsen metabolic syndrome by contributing to fatty liver disease through impaired homocysteine methylation,” explained Prof. Obeid.
In particular, older adults or individuals taking certain medications such as metformin, omeprazole, or GLP-1 receptor agonists are often inadequately supplied with vitamin B12. Early diagnosis and targeted supplementation are essential to prevent fatty liver disease as well as neurological complications such as neuropsychiatric or hematological manifestations. Treatment with vitamin B12 is safe, well tolerated, and can also be administered orally in high doses. “However, treatment should not be discontinued once laboratory values have normalized. Clinical improvement may take months or even years,” emphasized Prof. Obeid.
Magnesium and zinc: indispensable biofactors for metabolism
Prof. Dr. Klaus Kisters, internist and deputy chairman of the GfB, highlighted the clinical importance of magnesium and zinc. “These two biofactors act synergistically in metabolism and can improve insulin sensitivity while lowering blood glucose, lipid levels, and blood pressure,” explained Prof. Kisters. Magnesium supports vascular function and blood pressure regulation as a calcium antagonist, while zinc is essential for insulin production, antioxidant protection, and vascular health. A deficiency in these two biofactors may therefore promote the development of metabolic syndrome.
Vitamin D – new recommendations for prediabetes
Prof. Dr. Stefan Pilz, endocrinologist at the Medical University of Graz and vitamin D expert, warned that around half of the German population has insufficient vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency correlates with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome and increased mortality. Moreover, studies show a protective effect of vitamin D against the development of type 2 diabetes. Based on this evidence, the Endocrine Society has issued a new international guideline recommending general vitamin D supplementation for individuals with prediabetes. “Dosages of 800 to 2000 IU per day are considered safe and effective,” emphasized Prof. Pilz.
Practical conclusion
The experts at the international GfB symposium agreed that metabolic syndrome is not an inevitable fate. Through targeted lifestyle measures – complemented by an adequate supply of biofactors such as magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D – metabolic processes can be positively influenced, and the risk of metabolic syndrome and its complications significantly reduced.
For more information, visit the website of the Society for Biofactors (GfB):
www.gf-biofaktoren.de/en/symposium-2025/
Source:
Online Symposium of the Society for Biofactors (GfB)
“Metabolic Syndrome – Biofactors in Focus:
Scientific Findings and Evidence-Based Practical Insights”
October 25, 2025