Diabetes ComplicationsPharmacological Treatments

Effect of Vitamin E on Glycemic Control in Diabetic Patients

Nutrition Journal

Published on 2023

Effect of Vitamin E on Glycemic Control in Diabetic Patients

Summary

This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effect of vitamin E supplementation on glycemic control and insulin resistance in diabetic patients. The analysis included 38 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 2,171 diabetic patients. The results indicate that vitamin E intake significantly improved HbA1c, fasting insulin, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), but had no significant effect on fasting blood glucose. Short-term interventions (<10 weeks) showed a lowering effect on fasting blood glucose. The findings suggest that vitamin E supplementation can be beneficial in improving insulin resistance and glycemic control among diabetic patients. However, the effects varied depending on the duration of the intervention and the type of diabetes. The study calls for further research to confirm these findings and explore optimal dosing strategies.

Study Design

Interventions

Vitamin E supplementation

Study Type

Meta-Analysis

Outcomes

HbA1c reductionInsulin resistance improvementFasting blood glucose reduction

Duration and Size

short–term_≤3_mo

Medium size (100–500)

Study Population

Age Range

Middle Aged (40-64)

Sex

MaleFemale

Geography

Global

Other Criteria

with T2 Diabetes

Methodology

The study systematically reviewed RCTs evaluating vitamin E supplementation in diabetic patients. It employed a random-effects model to calculate mean differences in glycemic indices and insulin resistance markers.

Studies were identified from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, with strict inclusion criteria focusing on RCTs that examined fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR.

Interventions

Vitamin E supplementation was tested in various forms and dosages, with most studies using alpha-tocopherol. The interventions ranged from 90 to 1620 mg/day.

Most interventions lasted between 4 and 52 weeks, with significant improvements in HbA1c and insulin resistance observed in short-term studies.

Key Findings

Vitamin E significantly improved HbA1c and insulin resistance but had no effect on fasting blood glucose. Short-term interventions were more effective in lowering fasting blood glucose levels.

Comparison with other Studies

This meta-analysis builds on previous research by including newer RCTs. Compared to the 2014 meta-analysis, this study finds stronger evidence supporting vitamin E’s role in improving insulin resistance.

Journal Reference

Asbaghi O, Nazarian B, Yousefi M, et al. Effect of vitamin E intake on glycemic control and insulin resistance in diabetic patients: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutr J. 2023;22:10. doi:10.1186/s12937-023-00840-1

This research summary and analysis were generated using AI-powered tools to assist in data synthesis and interpretation. While we strive for accuracy and completeness, we encourage readers to verify critical information and consult additional sources as needed. The insights presented reflect an AI-assisted perspective and should not be considered a substitute for expert opinion or independent research.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Effect of vitamin E intake on glycemic control and insulin resistance

u/ScientificNutrition

What vitamin supplements, if any, should all diabetes patients take

u/diabetes

What supplements do you take?

u/diabetes_t1

Dr. Eric Berg DC

youtube

Vitamin E can help Reverse Type 2 Diabetes

Charmaine Dominguez

Stay informed. Stay ahead.

Subscribe now for the latest breakthroughs, expert insights, and cutting-edge updates in diabetes care—delivered straight to your inbox.