Lee Swanson Research Update

Vitamin E and Beta-Cryptoxanthin Intake Reduces Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

November 2004

A study undertaken in Finland has determined that the intake of vitamin E and the carotenoid beta-cryptoxanthin can help cut the chances of developing type II diabetes in adults.

Researchers assessed the diets of 2,285 men and 2,019 women who were free of diabetes and ranged from 40-69 years of age at the start of the study.

Based on dietary analysis, researchers determined the subjects' consumption of various antioxidants, including vitamin E (its four tocopherols and four tocotrienols), vitamin C and six carotenoids (including beta-cryptoxanthin). During 23 years of follow-up, 383 of the subjects were diagnosed with type II diabetes.

Scientists concluded that high intake of several antioxidants significantly reduced the risk of type II diabetes. People consuming the highest amounts of vitamin E were 31% less likely to develop diabetes than those consuming the lowest amounts of vitamin E.

A stronger association was observed by high intakes of beta-cryptoxanthin, which significantly reduced the risk by 42%. Trends for reduced risk of type II diabetes by total and other individual carotenoids were not statistically significant.

Diabetes Care 27:362-366, 2004

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