Do Mineral Supplements Expire
Yes, mineral products must be renewed every three months. and, but, are mineral-based products safe? Yes, they are. The FDA has issued a warning about the potential for mineral deficiencies to cause serious health problems. However, the FDA does not recommend that consumers take mineral supplement supplements. If you are concerned about your health, you should talk to your doctor.
Promote Blood Sugar Control
Zinc is extremely well known for its role in blood sugar control and insulin secretion. Insulin is the hormone mainly responsible for transporting sugar from your bloodstream to your tissues. Some research suggests that zinc help keep blood sugar levels steady and improves your bodys sensitivity to insulin. Zinc supplements are effective at enhancing both short-term and long-term blood sugar control in people with diabetes. Research shows that zinc helps reduce insulin resistance, which can improve your bodys ability to use insulin efficiently to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
May Improve Heart Health
Heart disease is a severe problem, accounting for approximately 33% of deaths worldwide. Zinc improves several risk factors for heart disease and even lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Research suggests that low levels of serum zinc may be associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease. Therefore it is a wise choice to include zinc in your daily diet for better health.
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How Do Slc30a8 Gene Variants Affect Risk Of Type Ii Diabetes
The C allele of the SLC30A8 gene has been linked to a higher risk of Type II diabetes.
A meta-analysis of 46 individual studies found that C allele carriers had a 14% higher risk of Type II diabetes . This is illustrated in the Forest plot below.
Furthermore, this association between the C allele and Type II diabetes was found in European, Asian, and African populations.
When analysed by specific genotype, it was found that those with the CC genotype had the highest risk of Type II diabetes, with a 20% higher risk compared to those with CT and TT genotypes.
Other studies have found that this enhanced risk of Type II diabetes in people with the CC genotype is dependent on a persons bodyweight. For example, the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study found that CC individuals with a healthy BMI did not have a higher diabetic risk compared to other genotypes.
It remains unclear why the C allele of the SLC30A8 gene confers a greater risk of Type II diabetes. Some studies suggest that this allele codes for a zinc transporter 8 protein that has reduced activity and is less effective at transporting zinc into secretory vesicles of pancreatic beta-cells. It is possible that this leads to less efficient secretion of insulin and poorer control of blood glucose levels, which, in turn, can increase the risk of developing diabetes.
KEY POINTS
Effect On Hemoglobin A1c Levels
A study published in 2007 compared the effects of a placebo with those of bitter melon supplements. Among the 40 participants, one group took two capsules of the supplement three times a day for 3 months.
The aim was to see whether the bitter melon would cause a drop in participants A1C levels. These are average blood sugar levels over a 23-month period.
The researchers noticed a small decrease in A1C levels, of less than 0.25%. The placebo group, meanwhile, showed no change.
Though the size of the study and the drop in A1C levels were small, the authors hope that they will encourage larger studies.
A 2014 review from Nutrition & Diabetes looked at four studies that compared the effects of bitter melon supplements with those of no diabetes treatment at all.
The authors found no evidence that bitter melon had any significant effects on A1C levels or fasting plasma glucose levels.
They determined that most results were inconclusive, but that larger studies might help determine bitter melons effectiveness as a supplemental treatment for diabetes.
Here, learn more about A1C tests and what the results mean.
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You Might Be Low In Zinc If You Are Taking Certain Drugs:
Most people dont think about how medications can alter their need for certain nutrients. We suspect that many health professionals are unaware of such problems either. Dr. Low Dog has a magnificent appendix at the back of her book called Drug-Nutrient Depletions and Interactions. In it, she notes that ACE inhibitor blood pressure pills like benazepril, captopril, enalapril and lisinopril can deplete the body of zinc. So can ARBs such as valsartan. Diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide can also lower levels of this mineral.
You can read more about vitamins and minerals and how medications alter levels of crucial nutrients in Dr. Low Dogs fabulous book, Fortify Your LIFE: Your Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and More.
Are You Looking For Natural Blood Sugar Control Techniques Zinc Benefits For Diabetes Care Are Impressive
Zinc benefits include promoting healthy insulin function, providing natural blood sugar control, and might even help to prevent diabetes in the first place.
I take zinc when I feel a cold coming on and find that it definitely helps to keep me from getting sick. Many people use zinc for this immune-boosting purpose, but zinc benefits can do more for your body than just that. The benefits of taking zinc include lowering your risk of heart disease, treating Parkinsons disease, and even helping clear up acne.
As if that werent enough, yet another reason to love zinc is that it can be helpful for diabetes care. Zinc is highly concentrated in the islet cells of the pancreas, where insulin is produced. Zinc benefits include promoting healthy insulin function, providing natural blood sugar control, and might even help to prevent diabetes in the first place.
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Zinc Gluconate And Its Benefits For Diabetes
Zinc supplements have long been used as immune boosters for reasons as simple as preventing the common cold. Zinc is highly beneficial in diabetic care too as it is present in where insulin is produced. Apart from promoting healthy insulin and blood sugar levels, you can use it with medical advice. It also helps in preventing the onset of diabetes in the first place. It is highly recommended daily.
There are certain minerals that the body naturally produces and others must simply come from the intake. Zinc comes only from the food so zinc is important that we take foods rich in zinc. It is found in plenty of sources like legumes, whole grains, and nuts
Zinc is an essential element that is necessary for a healthy immune system. The element is naturally found in many different foods, but it is also available as a dietary supplement. Its deficiency can occur if there is not a high enough consumption from diet or supplemental zinc.
The role of zinc in increasing immunity, immune functions, and managing diabetes, zinc overdose can lead to a lot of complications. The best source of zinc would be in their naturally occurring foods. Too much zinc can upset the copper and iron levels in the body and can weaken the immune system.
When used as directed, the side effects of zinc are to increase your zinc intake and improve several aspects of your health.
Effects Of Zinc Supplementation On Glycemic Control
Effect of zinc supplementation on FG
To determine whether zinc supplementation affects hyperglycemia, FG data were extracted from the eligible studies. The effect of zinc on FG was reported in 29 interventions, including 20 studies that used zinc as a single factor and 9 studies that used zinc with a co-supplement . The following analysis revealed a significant reduction in FG when zinc supplementation was a single factor, with a weighted mean difference of 13.26 mg/dL between the zinc and control groups. In addition, we found a significant reduction in FG in the zinc with co-supplements group and in the overall, ungrouped analysis .
Forest plot showing the effect of zinc supplementation on FG . For each study, the solid black diamonds represent the point estimate of the intervention effect. The horizontal line joins the lower and upper limits of the 95% CI of this effect, and the size of the gray squares reflects the relative weight of each study in the meta-analysis. The open diamonds represent the subgroup and overall WMD determined with a random-effects model. FG, fasting glucose MVM, multivitamin/mineral WMD, weighted mean difference.
Effect of zinc supplementation on 2h-PG
Effect of zinc supplementation on FI
Effect of zinc supplementation on HOMA-IR
Effect of zinc supplementation on HbA1c
Effect of zinc supplementation on hs-CRP
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Foods That Lower Blood Sugar Instantly Diabetic Health Guide
When your body doesnt produce enough insulin or it cannot use insulin correctly it leads to the accumulation of glucose in the blood. Eat foods that lower blood sugar instantly. High blood sugar levels can be controlled with regular exercise, lifestyle modifications, and proper diet. How to lower blood sugar? What to eat when you have diabetes?
The answers to these questions lie right here. The glycemic index measures the effects of specific foods on blood sugar levels. People looking for diabetic control should add foods that have low GI scores in their diet.
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Zinc Deficiency And Diabetes Which Came First
It is difficult to answer this question, because there is evidence in favour of both. Zinc deficiency can be an indicator for diabetes, and those with diabetes tend to be zinc deficient. There are two main reasons for this:
A low absorption rate paired with a high excretion rate means it is more difficult to retain adequate zinc in the body. Thus, it is expected for diabetic patients to have significantly lower zinc levels. Diabetic patients aged 50 and older are particularly susceptible to zinc deficiency because they often avoid meats and other zinc-rich foods. In many cases, both intake and absorption of zinc are low.
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An Underappreciated Mineral That Relaxes Blood Vessels
However, while the importance of potassium and calcium for blood pressure is well-established, theres another mineral that has up until now been underappreciated in the process zinc.
But thats all changed thanks to a new study published in Nature Communications.
Funny thing is, the study wasnt actually looking for a way to improve blood pressure at all
Our discovery that zinc is also important was serendipitous because wed been researching the brain, not blood pressure, said lead author Ashenafi Betrie, Ph.D., of the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and The University of Melbourne in Australia.
We were investigating the impact of zinc-based drugs on brain function in Alzheimers disease when we noticed a pronounced and unexpected decrease in blood pressure in mouse models treated with the drugs.
But while they were looking for a way to improve brain function with zinc, what they found was the fact that zinc coordinates action within sensory nerves, endothelial cells and the muscle of arteries.
This triggers lower calcium levels in the muscle of the blood vessel, making the vessel relax, decreasing blood pressure and increasing blood flow.
According to the team, zinc essentially has the opposite effect of calcium on blood flow and pressure.
Bitter Melon In The Diet
Bitter melon grows in parts of Asia, South America, the Caribbean, and Africa, where it is a popular ingredient in a variety of dishes.
For people with type 2 diabetes, a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is part of treatment, and it may help reverse the progression of prediabetes.
People with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and other complications. A healthful diet that includes foods rich in antioxidants can help prevent many health problems.
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Is It Possible To Prevent Diabetes
As opposed to Type 1, Type 2 diabetes develops slowly. If you have been instructed to monitor your blood sugar levels, it is likely you have been introduced to the term “prediabetes”. Prediabetes refers to blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered diabetes. If this sounds like you, think of this diagnosis as a crossroad. Diabetes develops from a combination of lifestyle and hereditary factors. You can wait until your blood sugar levels rise to the point of diabetes, or you can start managing your blood sugar to change your future. Prevention strategies are key!
Multiple studies have shown zinc supplements to be a supportive strategy in preventing diabetes. One study in particular showed that zinc supplementation among people with prediabetes reduced the progression to diabetes from 25% to 11%. Zinc intake should not be the only strategy used, but given its positive findings, it is a useful addition to complement dietary and lifestyle interventions.
Subgroup Analyses Of Zinc Supplementation On Glycemic Control
We also performed subgroup analyses on studies that used zinc as a single factor for the 6 glycemic indicators stratified according to 6 specific factors .
Subgroup analyses based on health status
First, we examined whether health status influenced the effects of zinc supplementation . Notably, the effect of zinc supplementation on FG was stronger among diabetic subjects than among subjects at high risk of diabetes. A meta-regression analysis revealed a significant difference in FG concentrations based on diabetic status .
Subgroup analyses based on the dose of zinc supplementation
We also performed a subgroup analysis to determine whether the dose of zinc supplementation affected outcome by comparing studies with low and high daily zinc supplementation . Our meta-regression analysis revealed no significant difference in glycemic indicators with respect to the dose of zinc supplementation.
Subgroup analyses based on the duration of zinc intervention
Next, we determined whether the duration of the zinc intervention influenced the effects of zinc supplementation . We compared the effects of zinc in studies in which the intervention was relatively brief with studies that involved a relatively long intervention . A meta-regression analysis was performed based on the duration of zinc intervention subgroups and revealed no significant differences.
Subgroup analyses based on the formulation of the zinc supplement
Subgroup analyses based on geographic area
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How Much Zinc For Diabetics
The daily dose of Zinc for diabetes appears to much more than the usual recommended dose of about 9-10 mg per day, which is for the individuals who are otherwise healthy. We use a daily dose of 50 mg of Zinc along with 2 mg of Copper at the Jamila Diabetes And Endocrine Medical Center. At this dose of Zinc, we have seen amazing results and no side-effects.
Your Zinc And Insulin Secretion Trait
Your Zinc and insulin secretion trait analyses how well you are likely to respond to zinc based on variants of your SLC30A8 gene , as well as your lifestyle survey data.
Depending on your results, you will be classified into one of four groups:
- Less responsive to zinc you have the CC genotype of the SLC30A8 gene linked to lower improvements in diabetic risk and insulin function when increasing your zinc intake.
- Responsive to zinc you have one copy of the T allele , which is linked to greater improvements in diabetic risk and insulin function when increasing your zinc intake. These improvements, however, are not as high as those expected in people with the TT genotype.
- Enhanced response due to lifestyle – you have one copy of the T allele , which is linked to greater improvements in diabetic risk and insulin function when increasing your zinc intake. Your lifestyle data also suggest you are overweight/obese, which is shown to enhance the benefits of increased zinc intake.
- Enhanced response to zinc you have the TT genotype linked to the greatest improvements in diabetic risk and insulin function when increasing your zinc intake. Zinc supplementation may be particularly beneficial for people with your genotype.
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How Much To Consume
Anyone considering taking bitter melon alongside their diabetes treatment should consume no more than:
- 50100 milliliters daily of juice
- about 23 ounces throughout the day
- one small bitter melon per day
- the amount of supplement a doctor advises
A person should take a supplement after:
- talking to their doctor about whether to use it and the right dosage
- checking the instructions on the packaging
Some supplements may counter or increase the effects of existing medications.
What other herbs and supplements could help people with type 2 diabetes? Learn more here.
Fighting Diabetes With The Power Of Zinc
Kristen A McClung and Lu Cai*
Kosair Childrens Hospital Research Institute at the Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, USA
*Corresponding author: Lu Cai, Professor, Kosair Childrens Hospital Research Institute at the Department of Pediatrics, the University of Louisville, 570 South Preston Street, Baxter I, 304F, Louisville, KY, USA,
Received: March 01, 2014 Accepted: March 05, 2014 March 14, 2014
It has been well established and highly publicized in research literature and clinical use that antioxidants, like zinc, are good for human health. A new and exciting research field has set out to prove that antioxidants, specifically zinc, are not only good for human health, but also good for diabetes . These new findings have beendemonstrated and confirmed in basic science research experiments over the past five years, but its novelty, and failure to capture the medias eye has kept them from becoming breaking news.
For those of us who need a recap, zinc is an essential trace metal vital for many biological functions in the human body . Zinc plays a crucial role in more than 300 enzymes residing in the body, which as a whole, contains about 23 grams of zinc. Zinc is found in organs, tissues, bones, muscles, fluids and cells. Muscles and bones contain most of the bodys concentration of zinc while particularly high amounts are found in the prostate gland and semen .
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