Hypoglycaemic and hypotriglyceridaemic postprandial properties of organic silicon

- Si reduced postprandial hyperglycaemia in healthy Wistar rats.
- The hypoglycaemic effects were linked to reduction of SGLT1 levels.
- Si blocked (arrested) postprandial hypertriglyceridemia from first administration.
- Si supplementation seems useful to manage the postprandial state.

The positive effects of Si on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) have been mooted. However, the effect of Si on postprandial state has not been evaluated. Postprandial hypertriglyceridaemia and hyperglycaemia are considered risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The effects of Si supplementation on postprandial hypertriglyceridaemia and hyperglycaemia were tested in two groups of 6 healthy male Wistar rats after acute and 1-week administrations. In the postprandial study rats were administered 1 ml of olive oil and glucose solution (0.5 g/kg bw) by oral gavage. The results indicate that Si reduced glucose and triglycerides digestion and absorption from the first dose, although the effects were stronger after 1-week treatment. This study clearly suggests Si supplementation can be a powerful tool in the management of postprandial hypertriglyceridaemia and hyperglycaemia.