Metabolism and Vitamins C and E

Metabolism and Vitamins C and E

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a condition where excess weight leads to difficulties with glucose management, blood pressure and more. In these studies, vitamins C and E showed promise in supporting those with MetS.

Vitamins C and E in metabolic syndrome

New research suggests people with metabolic syndrome (MetS) may need more vitamins C and E. MetS diets are often high in saturated fat, which can injure gut walls and allow bacteria to leak into circulation. The body, thinking it is being attacked, releases white blood cells to kill the leaked bacteria, a process that destroys vitamin C. So, those with MetS can eat the same amount of vitamin C as healthy people but still have lower concentrations of vitamin C.

Vitamin C also protects vitamin E, doctors explained, adding, “If you don’t have the vitamin C, the vitamin E gets lost, and then you lose both those antioxidants and end up in the vicious circle of depleting your antioxidant protection.”

Reference: Redox Biology; December, 2018, 101091; Published Online

Delta-tocotrienol vitamin E improved NAFLD

When fat builds up in the liver for reasons other than alcohol, such as obesity, it is called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study, 71 people with NAFLD took a placebo or 300 mg of delta-tocotrienol twice per day.

After 24 weeks, while the placebo group had not significantly improved, those taking delta-tocotrienol saw a 15 percent decrease in both fatty liver index scores and insulin resistance. A hormone, adiponectin, which helps regulate glucose levels, increased 44 percent, while another pro-inflammatory hormone, leptin, decreased 18 percent.

Body mass index scores decreased by an average of 2.4 in the delta-tocotrienol group, and waist circumference shrank by an average 1.1 inches. Doctors concluded delta-tocotrienol may be an effective therapy for treating NAFLD.

Reference: Complementary Therapies in Medicine; August, 2020, 102494

Vitamin C may prevent metabolic syndrome

Inflammation and oxidative stress are two factors in metabolic syndrome (MetS) that can trigger each other. In this review of 26 vitamin C human trials, doctors found consistent evidence the powerful antioxidant may help prevent MetS.

In one study of 22,671 adults, those with MetS consumed an average of 7 percent less vitamin C per day, while those with high vitamin C diets had smaller waist sizes and lower triglycerides.

In another study, those who regularly consumed 100-percent fruit juice drinks had lower body-mass index (BMI) scores, lower fasting and long-term average glucose levels, and smaller waist sizes. Four other studies linked higher vitamin C levels to lower BMI scores, lower blood pressure, and reduced chances for MetS.

Reference: International Journal of Medical Sciences; 2020, Vol. 17, No. 11, 1625-38

Consider this about juice--think about how many apples it takes to make one glass of apple juice. That's a lot of calories to consume. If you were to eat an apple instead, you would get full long before you consumed as many apples as would be found in the glass of juice. In addition, you'd be benefitting from the fiber and nutrients you get from the apple skin.

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BetsyHealth Note: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before trying a supplement, especially if you have a medical condition, including being pregnant or nursing, or take prescription or over-the-counter medication.

Article copyright 2020 by Natural Insights for Well Being. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

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