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Nutritional supplements and their effect on glucose control
Tanya Lee1, Jean-Jacques Dugoua
1The Health Centre of Milton, Milton, Ontario, Canada.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|February 9, 2013
Summary
Natural health products show promise for managing diabetes mellitus (DM). Further research is needed to confirm the safety, dosage, and interactions of these supplements with conventional treatments.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Nutritional Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a growing global health concern.
- Increasing patient interest in natural health products (NHPs) for DM management.
- Need for scientific evidence on NHP efficacy and safety in diabetes care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compile and review scientific literature on commonly used NHPs for diabetes treatment.
- To educate health professionals on the efficacy, safety, and dosage of NHPs.
- To identify NHPs with potential benefits for diabetes management.
Main Methods:
- Literature search and compilation of scientific studies on NHPs for diabetes.
- Analysis of research focusing on efficacy and mechanisms of action.
- Evaluation of safety, dosage, and potential interactions.
Main Results:
- Many NHPs show promising results for the treatment of diabetes.
- Soluble fiber, alpha-lipoic acid, milk thistle, prickly pear cactus, and pycnogenol are identified as potentially beneficial.
- Further studies are required for several herbs and nutraceuticals.
Conclusions:
- NHPs offer potential adjunctive or alternative therapies for diabetes mellitus.
- Evidence suggests benefits from specific NHPs like soluble fiber and alpha-lipoic acid.
- More research is essential to establish definitive safety, optimal dosage, and interaction profiles.
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