Probe • Vol LXII • No. 4 • Sep–Dec 2023 • 43 Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Diabetes Mellitus intake of vitamins B6 and B12 promotes nerve functions and prevents diabetic complications such as diabetic neuropathy.5 Vitamin C deficiency and diabetes mellitus Vitamin C is abundant in fresh fruits and vegetables such as citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes. Regular vitamin C intake prevents protein glycosylation and sorbitol accumulation, which in turn reduces the microvascular complications of T1DM and T2DM, such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and diabetic foot.4,5 Vitamin D deficiency and diabetes mellitus Vitamin D is naturally present in foods such as fatty fish, including salmon, tuna, mackerel, and trout, and in fish liver oils. A low vitamin D level causes an abnormal response to insulin. Regular intake of vitamin D reduces oxidative stress and inflammation and prevents genetic and epigenetic alterations associated with IR and DM.4,5 Vitamin E deficiency and diabetes mellitus Vitamin E plays an important role in insulin sensitivity. It is present in plant-based oils, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. It possesses antioxidant activity and helps manage DM by reducing blood glucose levels.4,5,7 Intake of vitamin E normalizes blood glucose levels and slows the progression of diabetic complications. Mineral Deficiencies and Diabetes Mellitus Deficiencies of mineral and trace elements such as selenium, chromium, and zinc play an important role in the pathogenesis of DM. The following are some of the effects of these minerals in the pathogenesis of DM.8 Dietary selenium is essential for the activity of glutathione peroxidase, which plays an important role in protecting against diabetic complications by reducing oxidative stress and eliminating peroxide toxicity. Chromium plays a key role in glucose metabolism by increasing insulin sensitivity and β-cell sensitivity. Intake of chromium helps reduce fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels.3 Zinc plays an important role in cell signaling and cellular processes, such as cell division and apoptosis; disturbances in zinc homeostasis are associated with DM and IR.8 Thus, deficiencies of vitamins and minerals may affect insulin secretion and the metabolism of glucose, resulting in DM. Regular dietary intake of vitamins and minerals improves the overall well-being and can help in preventing and managing DM.3 References 1. Shaikh S. Sources and health benefits of functional food components. April 5, 2022 (doi: 10.5772/intechopen.104091). 2. Hamrick C, Chen G. J Future Food. 2021;1(1):47–57. 3. Guo Y, et al. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2020;8:575442. 4. Norbitt CF, et al. Nutrients. 2022;14(7):1480. 5. Yahaya TO, et al. Egypt J Basic Appl Sci. 2021;8(1):189–202. 6. Zhang Y, et al. Front Nutr. 2022;9:1046800. 7. Harvard TH Chan. Vitamin E. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/. Reviewed March 2023. Accessed June 2, 2023. 8. Dubey P, et al. Nutrients. 2020;12(6):1864.
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