A review of studies which were published between Jan 1969 and July 2009 suggests taking vitamin D supplementation may help people with pre-diabetes.
About 54 million Americans aged 21 and older live with pre-diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The review, led by Barengolts E. and published in the Feb 2010 issue of Endocrine Practice, found the majority of cross-sectional and prospective studies demonstrated an inverse association between circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D or 25OHD and plasma glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, HbA1C, metabolic syndrome and incidence of pre-diabetes.
A few trials also found taking vitamin D supplements improved insulin secretion, basal fasting insulin sensitivity and postprandial peripheral insulin resistance in people with pre-diabetes.
Vitamin D insufficiency is common. The review found 77 percent of people in the U.S. suffer vitamin D insufficiency defined as having less than 30 ng/mL of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the blood.
Dr. John Cannell, a vitamin D expert and director of vitamindcouncil.org, recommends on his website that adults may take 4000 to 6000 IUs per day to maintain a functional level.
Vitamin D has previously been associated with type 1 diabetes.
In a study published in the Nov 9, 2009 issue of Pediatric Diabetes, Borker VV and colleagues from Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in India found of children with type 1 diabetes, 58 percent were vitamin D deficient compared to 32 percent in children without the condition.
Vitamin D has also been associated with elevated risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, birth defects, and periodontal disease among others, according to the Vitamin D Council.
www.FoodConsumer.org Laurie Puckett, Marketing Coordinator
Remmel Wellness Center, a full service wellness and chiropractic clinic in St. Petersburg, Florida
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