Combined Effect of High-Dose Vitamin A, Vitamin E Supplementation, and Zinc on Adult Patients with Diabetes: A Randomized Trial
June 2020
in “
Journal of Advanced Research
”
TLDR High-dose vitamin A and E with zinc improved blood sugar control and insulin function in diabetics, but may cause hair loss.
The randomized trial involving 98 adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) investigated the effects of high-dose vitamin A and E supplementation, with and without zinc, over 3 months. Participants were divided into three groups: control, vitamin A plus E, and vitamin A plus E with zinc. The group receiving vitamin A, E, and zinc showed significant improvements in fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting insulin, and β-cell function compared to the other groups. Two cases of hair loss were reported, indicating potential chronic toxicity. The study concluded that high-dose vitamin A and E, especially when combined with zinc, could enhance glycemic control and β-cell function in T2DM patients, though further research is needed to optimize dosing and minimize adverse effects.