Nutritional supplementation for type 2 diabetes: a systematic review

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#antioxidants #diabetes-mellitus-type-2 #diabetic-retinopathy #dietary-supplements #humans

Nutritional supplementation for type 2 diabetes: a systematic review

Bartlett et al., 2008 | Ophthalmic Physiol Opt | Systematic Review

Citation

Bartlett Hannah E, Eperjesi Frank. Nutritional supplementation for type 2 diabetes: a systematic review. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2008-Nov;28(6):503-23. doi:10.1111/j.1475-1313.2008.00595.x

Abstract

The role of nutritional supplementation is of increasing interest with regard to ocular disease. Randomised controlled trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of supplementation for age-related macular degeneration, and formulations are now being developed for use by people with diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. The aim of this review was to synthesise the evidence for use of nutritional supplementation in type 2 diabetes. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched using a systematic approach. Only double-masked randomised controlled trials were selected. A total of 50 trials were identified as suitable for inclusion. The potential role of alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, folic acid, isoflavones, magnesium, Pycnogenol, selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc in the treatment of type 2 diabetes is discussed. The review of trials identifies positive effects of these nutrients on various outcome measures relating to insulin resistance and cardiovascular factors. Chromium was the most studied supplement, accounting for 16 of the 50 trials. A majority of the trials found a positive effect of chromium on fasting plasma glucose. Isoflavones were found to have a positive effect on insulin resistance and cardiovascular outcome measures, but only when combined with soy proteins. Vitamin E is reported to reduce oxidative stress at levels of 200 mg day(-1) or more.

Key Findings

Vitamin E is reported to reduce oxidative stress at levels of 200 mg day(-1) or more.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 50
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Antioxidants
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
  • Diabetic Retinopathy
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Minerals
  • Vitamins

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: selenium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09