Nutrients improve lipids, help normalize blood pressure and sugar
Astaxanthin
Those with type 2 diabetes often have elevated lipid levels and poor glucose handling. Astaxanthin is the bright red-orange, fat-soluble carotenoid in salmon, lobster, and some algae, with much higher antioxidant activity than vitamin C.
In this study, 44 men and women with type 2 diabetes took 8 mg of astaxanthin per day, or a placebo. After eight weeks, while the placebo group had not changed, those taking astaxanthin had lower levels of abdominal fat, reduced triglycerides and LDL, the “bad” cholesterol. By the end of the study, blood pressure had also declined and glucose levels had decreased slightly for those taking astaxanthin.
Multivitamin with omega-3s
A fairly simple preventive health program reduced chances of progressing to diabetes, and improved glucose status in those with type 2 diabetes. In this study, 1,018 participants with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes met with a health care practitioner to set individual health goals. All took daily vitamin D drops of 1,000 IU per drop and were encouraged to get vitamin D levels to at least 40 nanograms per milliliter of blood, or 100 nanomoles per liter.
Participants also took a basic daily multivitamin mineral, or a more comprehensive multivitamin with more trace minerals, carotenoids, and omega-3s. After two years, vitamin D levels had increased for all participants, but only those taking the comprehensive multivitamin-mineral with omega-3s saw lower long-term average blood sugar levels, and lower levels of the inflammatory marker, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Overall, 44 percent of those pre- and diabetics who took the multivitamin-omega-3 combination returned to normal blood sugar levels.
Reference: Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition; 2018, Vol. 27, No. 2, 341-6
Natural Insights for Well Being July 2018
We’re dedicated to discovering the benefits of good nutrition and healthy lifestyle, and hope the above article informs and inspires you to take an active role in your health.
Articles shared on our site are to provide nutritional information only and do not replace professional medical advice.