Indication: Diabetes

Source: Am J Clin Nutr, 2003;77:1434-1441.

Research: Researchers studied 81 men and 101 women who were close relatives of people with type 2 diabetes. Although the subjects were not diabetic, they were considered at in­creased risk of eventually developing diabetes. Their levels of antioxidants were assessed by dietary intake of blood levels of vitamin E and carotenoids.

Results: In men, higher dietary intake of mixed carotenoids (alpha- and beta-carotene and lycopene) was associated with lower fasting glucose levels. Their blood levels of beta-carotene were associated with a lower risk of insulin resistance, a prediabetic sign. In wo­men, higher dietary vitamin E intake was associated with lower fasting glucose levels.