Blood pressure lowering effects of micronutrients in type 2 diabetic patients

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of magnesium, zinc, vitamins C and E, and a combination of these micronutrients with vitamin B groups [B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid and biotin] on blood pressure in type 2 diabetic patients. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial, 67 type 2 diabetic patients, 36-69 years old, stratified for sex and were randomly divided into three groups. Each subject received two capsules per day for a period of 4 months, each capsule containing one of the following preparations: Group 1 received 250 mg magnesium and 20 mg zinc, 200 mg vitamin C and 100 mg vitamin E, 10 mg vitamin B1, 10 mg vitamin B2, 10 mg vitamin B6, 10 ug vitamin B12 and 1 mg folic acid [n=22]. Group 2: 250 mg magnesium and 20 mg zinc, 200 mg vitamin C and 100 mg vitamin E, [n=23], and group P: placebo [n=22]. Blood pressure and biochemical analysis were determined at the beginning and after 2 and 4 months. Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c were determined by glucose oxidase and chromatography methods, respectively. Plasma vitamin C and serum magnesium and zinc were determined by the colorimetric method and serum a-tocopherol using HPLC. Serum malondialdehyde [MDA] was determined by a colorimetric method. Treatment effects were analyzed by general linear modelling. Results indicate that after 2 and 4 months of supplementation levels of plasma vitamin C increased in group 1 [p<0.0001] and group 2 [p=0.029 and p<0.0001, respectively]. Serum vitamin E increased in group 1 and 2 [p<0.0001] and serum folic acid increased in group 1, after 2 and 4 months supplementation [p<0.0001]. Serum magnesium increased in group 1 after 2 months supplementation [p=0.001] but not after 4 months. After 2 or 4 months supplementation, there were no significant changes in fasting blood glucose or HbA1c in the 3 intervention groups. Levels of systolic blood pressure decreased significantly in group 2 after 4 months supplementation [p=0.012]. After 2 and 4 months supplementation, diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly in group 1 [p=0.003 and p=0.012, respectively] and in group 2 [p<0.0001 and p=0.002, respectively] and mean arterial blood pressure decreased in group 1 [p=0.018 and p=0.025, respectively] and in group 2 [p=0.002]. Also serum malondialdehyde decreased significantly in groups 1 and 2 [p=0.009 and p=0.041, respectively] after 4 months. The results of the present study indicate that in type 2 diabetic patients, combination of vitamins and minerals might decrease blood pressure

[Determinants of fruit and vegetable consumption in type 2 diabetics in Tehran]

The world is facing a dramatic rise in the prevalence of diabetes, most of which is occurring in the low-and middle-income countries. This is having a major impact on the quality of life of hundreds of millions of people and their families. Furthermore, nutrition, especially intakes of fruit and vegetable have important effects on glycemic control and prevention of diabetic complications. The present study was designed to assess the fruit and vegetable consumption in type 2 diabetic patients and their relationship with socio-demographic factors in Tehran. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 367 type 2 diabetic patients. Fruit and vegetable consumption was determined, using 169-item food frequency questionnaire. Information on demography and socio-economic factors was obtained from related questionnaires. Results: Vegetable consumption was significantly lower in retired or jobless patients [p=0.04], and higher in patients who had children [p=0.003]. Also, fruit consumption was significantly higher in patients with 3 or less children. No significant association was observed between fruit or vegetable consumption and education levels, parents' job levels, household size, ethnicity, family income, food expense and duration of living in Tehran. Based on logistic regression, employment was significantly related to the consumption of vegetable [p=0.012]