The protection that antioxidants offer the human body is immense. Because we consume oxygen, free radicals are being generated each second in our bodies. Overtime the damage from free radicals (oxidation) wears on our systems and contributes to chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and inflammation. Numerous studies have shown the benefit that antioxidant supplementation provides to the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Carotenoids such as beta-carotene and lycopene are powerful antioxidants that are readily absorbed by the body. However, little research has been carried out examining the effects of antioxidants on the development of diabetes.
The September (2005) issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a trial in Australia that examined the relationship between carotenoid intake and the incidence of type 2 diabetes. The trial was designed as a cross-sectional survey. A total of 1597 adults completed the study. Researchers gathered information on dietary intake of carotenoids as well as supplemental intake. Fasting blood sugar, an oral glucose tolerance test, and concentrations of carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, and lycopene) in the blood were also measured.
The analysis found that higher serum levels of carotenoids were inversely associated with fasting insulin concentrations. Oral glucose tolerance tests were lower in individuals with the highest serum carotenoid concentrations as well. As glucose tolerance decreased, so did levels of carotenoids, most sensitive was beta-carotene. Individuals with type 2 diabetes had the lowest concentration of beta-carotene.
An inverse relationship was found between serum carotenoids and the development of impaired glucose metabolism and type 2 diabetes. This information prompts further research including double-blind randomized trials to investigate the effect that carotenoids and diets high in carotenoids have the incidence of type 2 diabetes.
Posted by Kristopher Foster on March 16, 2006 10:29 AM
