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Published on: June 25, 2017
Effect of supplementation with vitamin D₃ on glucose production pathways in human subjects
Aifric O'Sullivan1, Daniele Balducci, Francesca Paradisi
1UCD Institute of Food and Health, University College Dublin, Ireland.
Scope:
Research reports suggest that vitamin D affects glucose and insulin metabolism; however, the exact mechanisms are unclear. ²H NMR analysis of monoacetone glucose (MAG) after tracer administration provides a non-invasive method of profiling hepatic glucose metabolism. This study examined the effects of supplementation with vitamin D₃ on contribution of glycogenolysis to glucose production.
Methods And Results:
Tracer administration and biofluid collections were performed with eight healthy females before and following a 4-wk vitamin D₃ administration period. Following an overnight fast subjects ingested deuterated water and acetaminophen. Full void urine samples were collected after 4 h. ²H NMR spectra of urinary monoacetone glucose were acquired to determine the contribution of glycogenolysis to glucose production. The mean contribution of glycogenolysis to glucose production was 60±13%. Supplementation with vitamin D₃ had no effect on hepatic glucose production. Regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between carbohydrate intake and the contribution of glycogenolysis (β=0.914, p=0.004).
Conclusion:
In conclusion, we saw no changes in the percentage contribution of glycogenolysis following supplementation with vitamin D₃. The reproducibility of our results and the non-invasive nature of the method highlight the potential for this method in assessing mechanistic modes of action in future nutritional interventions.
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