Antioxidants and other Nutritional Supplements for Diabetics*
If you are diabetic, you may have a greater than normal
need for certain diabetes nutritional supplements in addition to a healthy diet. Diabetics
often have less effective vitamin C metabolism than people who are not
diabetic. Since insulin transports the antioxidant vitamin C into cells, you can see
that impaired insulin use and production by your body can cause
problems.
Since vitamin C is such an important diabetes nutritional
supplement, it's recommended that you take additional vitamin C. In particular, we recommend
mineral ascorbates such as EmergenC (made by Alacer, the brand), rather
than ascorbic acid for your vitamin C supplement. Another excellent
brand is New Chapter which makes a naturally derived form of this
nutrient.
It is also good to
eat foods rich in antioxidants and vitamin C such as citrus (oranges, grapefruit, lemon,
lime), kiwi, cabbage and berries.
A very important diabetes nutritional supplement is chromium.
Insulin insensitivity may be a result of lowered levels of chromium in
the body. This nutrient is best taken in the form of niacin bound GTF
chromium (Chromemate) for best absorption and use by your body. In
addition, vitamin B6 may help to prevent neuropathy if you are already
a diabetic.
Vitamin D may reduce insulin resistance as well as
protecting diabetics against cataracts. Alpha lipoic acid is a powerful
antioxidant which helps to
reduce the risk of peripheral nerve damage and may help to balance
blood sugar. New research shows that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and
coenzyme Q10 are helpful for the diabetic.
Digestive enzymes help the body break down and absorb
nutrients from food and supplements. A multi-B vitamin helps with
energy and many other processes in the body.
Here are several diabetes nutritional supplements with dosages for recommended by Michael Murray, N.D. He is a well-known naturopathic
doctor who has written a number of books on alternative health and
healing. Before adding supplements to your diet, consult your
physician. *
-
Chromium (200-400 mcg/daily) - Low levels may lead to
insulin insensitivity, New Chapter is an excellent brand.
-
Vitamin C (500-1,500 mg/daily) – Serves as an
antioxidant. The diabetic has increased
requirements.
-
Vitamin E (800-1,200/daily) – Useful as an antioxidant.
People with diabetes have increased
requirements. Make sure to buy "natural" E rather than the synthetic
form (D Alpha tocopherol rather than the synthetic DL Alpha, be sure
to get mixed tocopherols included in your "E" supplement such as
gamma, beta and delta).
-
Magnesium (250-750 mg/daily) – Diabetics have increased
requirements.
-
Vitamin B6 (30-90 mg/daily) – Prevents/improves
neuropathy.
-
Vitamin B12 (1,000 mcg) - Prevents/improves neuropathy.
-
Zinc (30-45 mg/daily) and Vanadyl Sulfate (10-100
mg/daily) - Improve insulin action
Before starting your diabetes nutritional supplement
program, be sure to consult with your physician. * The
dosages mentioned in this article are those recommended by
Michael Murray and should be approved by your physician. |
