Yogurt fortified with vitamin D to help control diabetes

Low blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] have been associated with impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes.

Researchers at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, in Tehran, Iran studied the effects of vitamin D3 + calcium–fortified yogurt drink on blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.

First, the details.

• 90 people with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to 3 groups for twice per day treatment over for 12 weeks.
  • Group 1: Plain yogurt drink (no vitamin D and 150 mg calcium/250 mL)
  • Group 2: Vitamin D–fortified yogurt drink containing 500 IU vitamin D3 and 150 mg calcium/250 mL)
  • Group 3: Vitamin D + calcium–fortified yogurt drink containing 500 IU vitamin D3 and 250 mg calcium/250 mL)
• Fasting serum glucose, glycated hemoglobin (A1c), insulin resistance, lipid profile, and percentage fat mass were assessed before and after treatment.

And, the results.

• In both fortified yogurt  groups…
  • Average blood levels of 25(OH)D3, fasting blood sugar levels, and A1c improved significantly.
  • Insulin resistance, waist circumference, and body mass index decreased significantly more than in the vitamin D–fortified yogurt drink group (Group 2).
  • Higher 25(OH)D3 blood levels were associated with significantly lower fasting blood glucose, percent body fat, and insulin resistance.

The bottom line?

The authors concluded, “Daily intake of a vitamin D–fortified yogurt drink, either with or without added calcium, improved glycemic status in type 2 diabetes patients.”

Also, earlier this year, researchers at the University of California, Davis, in Sacramento, reported that vitamin D levels were significantly inversely correlated with fasting glucose and insulin resistance.

3/1/11 19:29 JR