Combined effect of high-dose vitamin A, vitamin E supplementation, and zinc on adult patients with diabetes: A randomized trial

The study investigated the effects of high-dose vitamin A and E supplementation, both with and without zinc, on adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Ninety-eight patients were divided into three groups: one received 50,000 IU vitamin A and 100 mg vitamin E (AE group, n=36), another received the same vitamins with 25 mg zinc (AEZ group, n=35), and the last group received no supplements (control group, n=27) for three months. The AEZ group showed significant improvements in fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), beta-cell function, and fasting insulin compared to the control group. However, two cases of hair loss were reported in both treated groups. The results suggest that high-dose vitamin A and E supplementation with zinc can enhance glycemic control and insulin secretion in T2DM patients, but vitamin A dosage needs to be carefully considered.