Cruelty Free
Supplements
Cruelty Free Cosmetics
Low Carbohydrate, Low
Fat Cookbooks.
Dr. Atkins' Vita-Nutrient Solution : Nature's Answer to
Drugs
PDR for Nutritional Supplements
The PDR Family Guide to Nutritional Supplements : An Authoritative A-to-Z
The Magazine - Pdr For Nutritional Supplements
A Practical A-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals,
Herbs, and Food Supplements
The Insulin-Resistance Diet : How to Turn Off Your Body's Fat-Making Machine
Blood Sugar Blues : Overcoming the Hidden Dangers of Insulin Resistance
by Miryam Ehrlich Williamson, R. Paul St. Amand M.D.
Insulin Resistance: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, And Annotated
Research Guide To Internet References
Magnesium and the Insulin Resistance Syndrome (Comprehensive Summaries of
Uppsala Dissertations from the Faculty of Medicine, 1088)
Insulin Resistance and Cardiovascular Disease
Syndrome X: The Complete Nutritional Program to Prevent and Reverse Insulin
Resistance
The Insulin Factor: Can't Lose Weight? Can't Concentrate? Can't Resist
Sugar? Could Syndrome X Be Your Problem
Balance Your Blood Sugar Naturally to Beat Disease, Lose Weight, Gain
Energy, and Feel Great
The Low Blood Sugar Handbook: You Don't Have to Suffer....
The Low Blood Sugar Cookbook: Sugarless Cooking for Everyone
What Makes My Blood Glucose Go Up...And Down? And 101 Other Frequently Asked
Questions About Your Blood Glucose Levels
LOW BLOOD SUGAR Hypoglycemia: The 20th Century Epidemic?
101 Tips For Improving Your Blood Sugar
Reactive Hypoglycemia - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated
Research Guide to Internet References
Preventing Reactive Hypoglycemia: The Great Medical Dilemma
The New Glucose Revolution: The Authoritative Guide to the Glycemic
Index--the Dietary Solution for Lifelong Health
Atkins Diabetes Revolution : The Groundbreaking Approach to Preventing and
Controlling Type 2 Diabetes
The G.I. Handbook : How the Glycemic Index Works
Eradication of H. Pylori shown to improve hypoglycemia
H. Pylori may contribute to hypoglycemia
H. Pylori may lead to lower glucose concentrations in women and should be
considered when interpreting concentrations bordering on diabetes
Both obesity and type II diabetes may be associated with an increased
incidence of H. pylori-colonization
Diet,
Exercise Dramatically Delay Type 2 Diabetes
CDC - Exercise can
delay onset of diabetes
Exercise
Reduces Diabetes by Reducing Insulin Resistance
The Healing Power of Exercise : Your Guide to Preventing and Treating Diabetes, Depression, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Arthritis, and More
The Diabetic Athlete
Handbook of Exercise in Diabetes
The Fitness Book: For People With Diabetes
How blood
sugar works
CDC's
Diabetes Program - Publications & Products - Take Charge of Your Diabetes
- Glossary
Diabetes breakthrough
Toronto scientists cure disease in mice
Type 2 Diabetes In the Genes
Caffiene interferes
with insulin metabolism and affects both diabetes and hypoglycemia
Does Flavanol Intake Influence Mortality from Nitric Oxide-Dependent
Processes? Ischemic heart disease, stroke, diabetes mellitus, and cancer
in Panama
Tips on controlling sugar cravings
Sugar cravings subside with persistent and consistent EFT
The Analyst -
Internet Health Report: Condition: Sugar Craving
|
Supplements for Blood Sugar Control
Following are a list of supplements
that may be helpful in managing blood sugars for those with blood sugar
disorders like hypoglycemia or diabetes. You should check with your
health care provider for further advice.
You may also be interested in:
Diseases, Medical Conditions and Deficiencies that are
associated with Blood Sugar and Insulin Control
Biotin
*Sal-FreeTM
Biotin is a B vitamin that aids in the metabolism of
carbohydrates, fats and proteins. A deficiency can cause high blood sugar as
well as hair loss, depression, inflammation or palor of the skin and mucous
membranes, insomnia, loss of appetite, muscular pain, nausea and soreness of
the tongue. Deficiency in adults is rare because biotin can be
produced in the intestine with the help of
beneficial bacteria.
Biotin is needed for healthy hair and skin. It promotes healthy sweat
glands, nerve tissue and bone marrow.
A genetically inherited sensitivity to sugar was improved in rats who had a
higher biotin dietary level.36 Another study concluded that
a high biotin diet improves the impaired glucose tolerance of
long-term spontaneously hyperglycemic rats with non-insulin-dependent
diabetes mellitus.37
According to Dr. Atkins, biotin was shown to aid in the management of blood
sugar in lab experiments. In one small human study where subjects took large
doses of biotin (10 mg injected 3X per week and after that 5 mg per day
orally) diabetic neuropathy was halted or even reversed. There were no
ill side effects reported after a year on mega-doses of biotin.6
Do not take these high dosages
without consulting with your health care professional.
A survey of 685 Italian herbalists, conducted by the Atherosclerosis
Research Centre at the University of Bologna found Biotin to be one of
the 10 most frequently recommended dietary supplements for use in
controlling glycemia.34
Other Benefits:
Biotin may reduce hair loss in some men. It also helps
with muscle pain. It is used to treat cradle cap in infants who have a
deficiency.
Brewers Yeast
*Sal-FreeTM
Brewers yeast has a mild stabilizing effect on blood sugars
because it is a rich source of minerals (especially chromium), and B
vitamins. Chromium and B Vitamins help break down carbohydrates.
In one
animal study, dietary high Chromium yeast
supplementation improved glucose tolerance.7 Other studies
tend to support this study's conclusion.
Other Benefits:
High in protein
Carbohydrate Blockers
Low-SalTM
The active ingredient in most popular carbohydrate blocking
products is a protein called phaseolamin which is extracted from white
kidney beans. The protein attaches to carbohydrates, preventing them from
breaking down and being absorbed by the body.
Carbohydrates turn into sugar which releases insulin in the body so blocking
carbohydrates from creating insulin should help lower blood sugar.
Carnitine
*Sal-FreeTM
Carnitine is a vitamin like substance related to the B
vitamins. It is often considered to be an amino acid because it has a
chemical structure similar to that of an amino acid.
There are many types of carnitine. See
All about L-Carnitine
for more details.
Carnitine plays a key role in glucose metabolism. Both L-carnitine and
Acetyl-L-Carnitine are effective in improving insulin-mediated glucose
disposal either in healthy subjects or in type 2 diabetics.20.
Carnitine increases the breakdown of fat into energy, possibly playing a
role in preventing diabetic ketoacidosis.13 It also reduces
the health risks posed by poor fat metabolism associated with diabetes.11
Acetyl-L-Carnitine may prevent nerve disease associated with diabetes and
sciatica.11 In one study, Carnitine, given in 1 gram
injections, may reduce pain from diabetic nerve damage.18
Another study concluded that Acetyl-L-Carnitine was effective and well
tolerated in reducing pain over a 1-year period and is, therefore, a
promising treatment option in patients with diabetic neuropathy.19
Carnitine deficiencies are occasionally associated with
diabetes.19
Other benefits
Lowers Cholesterol
May be helpful in Alzheimers disease, memory difficulties, weight
control, Chronic Fatigue syndrome and Fibromyalgia. See:
All about L-Carnitine
Chromium
*Sal-FreeTM
Chromium is a mineral and an essential nutrient that is
involved in carbohydrate and fat metabolism. It improves insulin's
efficiency and reduces sugar cravings.
Chromium has a stabilizing effect on blood sugar and is helpful for both
diabetes and hypoglycemia.11 It improves the glucose/insulin
system in those with hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, diabetes and hyperlipemia
with no detectable effects on control subjects. Chromium improves insulin
sensitivity through improvement in insulin binding, increased insulin
receptor number, insulin internalization, beta cell sensitivity and insulin
receptor enzymes.43
The average American diet is deficient in chromium and only 1 in 10
American's has enough.6,11 A deficiency causes
disturbances of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, hypoglycemia, impaired
glucose tolerance, elevated cholesterol and triglycerides in blood and a
decrease in HDL-cholesterol. 42 HDL is considered the good
cholesterol. The higher the HDL cholesterol level, the lower the risk of
coronary artery disease.
A deficiency can also cause anxiety, fatigue, glucose intolerance
(particularly in people with diabetes), inadequate metabolism of amino acids
and an increased risk of arteriosclerosis.11
A survey of 685 Italian herbalists, conducted by the Atherosclerosis
Research Centre at the University of Bologna found chromium to be one
of the 10 most frequently recommended dietary supplements for use in
controlling glycemia (high blood sugar).34
For a more comprehensive discussion of chromium, including various types of
supplemental chromium, please read All
About Chromium
Dosage Recommendations:
400-600 mcg chromium picolinate daily for diabetes according to Phyllis
Bach, in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing". In "Dr.
Atkins' Vita-Nutrient Solution", Dr. Atkins recommends 200-600 mcg per day
for insulin resistance and obesity. For full blown diabetes or extreme
obesity he recommends 600 - 1,000 mcg per day. One study noted that
improvements in the glucose/insulin system were highly significant in the
subjects receiving 500 micrograms twice per day with less or no significant
improvements in the subjects receiving 100 micrograms twice per day after 2
and 4 months.43
Other Benefits
Athletic performance
weight loss and obesity
Lowers Cholesterol
Atypical Depression
Research: Chromium May Help Some People with Depression - and Carb Cravings
Warnings:
If you have diabetes or hypoglycemia, consult with your
physician before taking any supplements containing chromium. This is
particularly important for anyone taking medications for these conditions
because chromium can change your requirements for these medications.
Excessive intake (tolerance depends on the individual) can
lead to chromium toxicity which has been associated with dermatitis,
gastrointestinal ulcers, and kidney and liver impairment.
In the past, chromium picolinate has been considered the best
form of chromium supplementation because the picolinate makes the chromium
more absorbable. One animal study indicated that chromium
picolinate probably generates oxidative damage of DNA and lipids and is
mutagenic. The significance of those results on humans who take the
supplement for prolonged periods is not known until further study is done.
Since other forms of dietary chromium supplements don't appear to cause the
same type of damage, it seems that use of other forms of chromium is a good
idea.
Based on that study, and other considerations as noted in the link below,
the Food Standards Agency in the UK advises that consumers should use other
forms of chromium supplements besides chromium picolinate due to reports of
genotoxicity (toxic to DNA) associated with chromium picolinate.
http://www.advisorybodies.doh.gov.uk/Com/chromium.htm
According to several studies cited by the National Institute
of Health, absorption of chromium from the intestinal tract is low, ranging
from less than 0.4% to 2.5%. Check the following link for a table showing
the relative absorption of four common forms of chromium.
http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20050416/food.asp
If you are concerned about the safety of the long term use of chromium
picolinate, the next best option might be chromium nicotinate which would
include products called chromium GTF as well as chromium polynicotinate (ChromeMate).
According to the table presented in the
Science News Article, chromium nicotinate bound to amino acids seems to
be better absorbed than plain chromium nicotinate. Vitamin C and
niacin (a B vitamin), enhance chromium's absorption while calcium may
inhibit absorption.
CoQ10
*Sal-FreeTM
CoQ10 is needed for normal carbohydrate metabolism.
Animals
with diabetes are coQ10 deficient. In one study, blood sugar levels
fell substantially in 31% of people with diabetes after they supplemented
with 120 mg of CoQ10 per day.14
Clinical studies in Japan show that CoQ may improve glycemic control in type
II diabetics.16 The results of another study show that
supplementation with 200 mg of CoQ10 per day improves long-term glycaemic
control in subjects with type 2 diabetes.15
Insulin and glucose indices were shown to be reduced in a randomised,
double-blind trial among patients receiving CoQ10 who were also receiving
antihypertensive medication.17
Other Benefits:
Helps fatigue
Heart health
Periodontal (gum) Disease
May help reduce the toxic affect to the heart by the medications
Daunorubicin and Doxorubicin which are often used in chemotherapy. See
the University of Maryland link below.
CoQ10 increases red blood cells/blood volume
Warnings:
Nausea, diarrhea or stomach upset may occur. It may
lower your blood sugar. Consult with your doctor before using CoQ10 if
you have diabetes, heart disease or allergies. The safety of CoQ10
supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding is unknown. CoQ10
may enhance the effectiveness of certain blood pressure medications,
CoQ10 may decrease the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications like
Warfarin.
For more information please see:
COENZYME Q10 (ubiquinone, ubidecarenone) - ORAL side effects, medical uses,
and drug interactions.
University of Maryland Medical Center on Coenzyme Q10
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
*Sal-FreeTM
There have been many
animal studies
that indicate that CLA may be helpful for insulin resistance.
More human studies are needed however because to date, human studies are
conflicting and some show that CLA could actually cause problems with
insulin metabolism in some individuals.. One study of type 2 diabetics
showed that CLA supplementation had an adverse effect on insulin and glucose
metabolism.8 Another small study concluded after 8 weeks
that the insulin sensitivity index improved in young, sedentary individuals
however 2 out of the 10 study participants actually had worse insulin
sensitivity. they concluded that there is considerable individual
variability in the response to CLA and additional studies are required.9
This information states that one study found that CLA may be helpful in
managing diabetes in humans.
Fat
That May Benefit Diabetics Reduces Weight, Blood Sugar
A review of peer-reviewed scientific publications found that
CLA supplements in rodents reduce fat mass and increases muscle mass, but
the results from 13 randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies do not
support these findings with regard to humans. The article also states
that results from
animal and human studies indicate
that the CLA isomer 10-trans,12-cis may have a negative impact on
carbohydrate and lipid metabolism by inducing insulin resistance and
hyperlipidaemia.10
Warnings:
CLA may worsen insulin resistance, carbohydrate and lipid
metabolism in some individuals. Read the information above for
details.
DHEA
*Sal-FreeTM
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone produced
by the adrenal glands. DHEA is a precurser to testosterone and estrogen.
DHEA levels decrease with age.
Animal studies have shown that DHEA administration prevents diabetes.
A study conducted on hypoadrenal women concluded that replacement
therapy with 50 mg of DHEA for 12 weeks significantly increased insulin
sensitivity, thereby suggesting that DHEA replacement could have a potential
impact in preventing type 2 diabetes.46
Other benefits:
Immune system
Hormone regulation
Infections
Weight Loss
Warnings:
Side effects may include:
Palpitations and other arrhythmias
increased growth of body hair, or hirsutism
Hair loss, especially male pattern baldness
acne
Contraindicated in
patients with any cancer that is estrogen or testosterone dependent
Digestive Enzymes
*Sal-FreeTM
A lack of digestive enzymes can result in hypoglycemia.
Enzyme supplementation can also help control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes.
About half the protein that we eat gets converted to sugar. If you
lack protein or the enzymes to digest protein you can end up with low blood
sugar.
The Merck Index states that carbohydrate intolerance is caused by a lack of
various digestive enzymes. Some of the enzymes that are needed to
convert complex sugars to simple sugars, if lacking, can cause hypoglycemia.
You may need extra lactase, amylase, lipase or disaccharidase in order to
avoid low blood sugar.
Fish Oil
*Sal-FreeTM
Fish oil is beneficial due to high levels of Omega-3 fatty
acids which are polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is thought by some
that PUFAs prevent insulin resistance by increasing membrane fluidity and
GLUT4 transport.21
A meta-analysis from published clinical trials concluded that no significant
changes in HbA1c (a lab test that measures the average amount of sugar in
your blood over the last two to three months) percentages occurred in
diabetic subjects treated with fish oil.
The same meta-analysis showed that fasting blood glucose
levels were increased with borderline significance in non-insulin dependent
diabetics and were significantly lowered in insulin dependent diabetics.
Significant dose-response effects of EPA (g/day) on HbA1c and triglycerides
and of DHA (g/day) on fasting blood glucose levels, HbA1c, and triglycerides
were demonstrated only in non-insulin dependent diabetics.47
Yet another study found that high amounts of fish oil (2X DHA/EPA
than would normally be taken to lower triglyerides) moderately
increases blood glucose and decreases insulin sensitivity in persons with
type 2 diabetes without hypertriacylglycerolemia and alters carbohydrate and
fat utilization in a time-dependent manner.48
Fructooligosaccharides
*Sal-FreeTM
Fructooliosaccharides, also called FOS for short, are
considered a pre-biotic and are often included in products that contain
probiotics. They feed the good bacteria and allow them to thrive
and grow while reducing the number of bad bacteria in the colon.
A survey of 685 Italian herbalists, conducted by the Atherosclerosis
Research Centre at the University of Bologna found
fructooligosaccharides to be one of the 10 most frequently recommended
dietary supplements for use in controlling glycemia.34
Gymnema Sylvestre
Not acceptable for those who must avoid
salicylates.
In numerous studies, Gymnema Sylvestre has shown positive
results for both type 1 and type 11 diabetes. A study of type 1
diabetic patients reduced insulin requirements and blood glucose.
Inositol
*Sal-FreeTM
Inositol is classified as a member of the vitamin B complex
although it is not technically a vitamin.
Inositol may help people with Reactive Hypoglycemia or
Insulin Resistance to use the insulin they produce.
http://www.sover.net/~devstar/hypogly.pdf
Other benefits:
May be helpful for the following:
bulimia
panic disorder
depression
bipolar depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Glycine
*Sal-FreeTM
Glycine is an amino acid that improves glycogen storage which
helps to free up glucose for energy production.
One small study suggests that when glycine is ingested with glucose (sugar),
the plasma glucose area response was attenuated by > 50% compared with the
response after the ingestion of glucose alone. The study also showed
that the serum insulin concentration was slightly elevated after the
ingestion of glycine alone.12 The study suggests that
the glucose clearance rate was accelerated with ingestion of glycine with
glucose. For a more in-depth discussion of this study see:
The
metabolic response to ingested glycine -- Gannon et al. 76 (6): 1302 --
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
It would seem that it might be best to take glycine with a
meal rather than alone if the goal is to decrease serum insulin.
More research needs to be done to determine just how helpful this supplement
would be for those with blood sugar difficulties.
Other Benefits:
Retards muscle degeneration11
Repairs damaged tissues and promotes healing11
May help prevent epileptic seizures 11
L-Glutamine
*Sal-FreeTM
Glutamine is an amino acid.that reduces sugar cravings.
An
animal study showed that intravenous glutamine has
potential benefit as a nutrient adjuvant during clinical situations
associated with insulin resistance.26
An
animal study at Duke University., examined the
effects of L-glutamine on blood glucose regulation and found a
glutamine infusion into food prevented any change in the plasma
glucose and insulin levels when consumed.27
Other benefits:
In
animal research it has an
anti-inflammatory effect
It serves as fuel for cells lining the intestine. It is helpful for
peptic ulcers and ulcerative colitis.
Enhances mental function
Assists in maintaining the proper acid/alkaline balance in the body
Warnings
Glutamine should not be taken by persons with cirrohsis of
the liver, kidney problems, Reye's syndrome or any type of disorder that can
result in an accumulation of ammonia in the blood.
L-Taurine
*Sal-FreeTM
Taurine Is an amino acid that helps stabilize blood sugar in
both type 1 and type II diabetes. It also improves cellular
sensitivity to insulin.6
People with insulin dependent diabetes have low taurine levels, leading to
thickened blood. This increases their risk of heart disease. 1.5
grams per day for 3 months corrects the problem of blood viscosity within 3
months.25
Other Benefits:
Reduces Fluid Retention by balancing sodium and potassium6
High blood pressure
seizure fighter
Helps white blood cells fire so it is beneficial for a weakened immune
system 6
Linoleic Acid and Alpha Linoleic Acid
*Sal-FreeTM
These acids are considered to be in the Omega-6 family of
polyunsaturated fatty acids. In some circumstances, polyunsaturated fatty acids
may prevent
insulin resistance by increasing membrane fluidity and GLUT4 transport.21
Lipoic Acid (Thioctic
Acid or Alpha Lipoic Acid)
*Sal-FreeTM
Lipoic Acid is a sulfur containing vitamin like substance that is critical
in glycolysis (the process in which glucose is broken down). It is
also critical for the Kreb's cycle. Glycolysis and the Krebs's cycle are two
biochemical processes that are important for cellular energy production.
Alpha Lipoic Acid helps to control blood sugar levels and is helpful in the
treatment of peripheral nerve damage in diabetic patients.
Alpha Lipoic Acid helps the body convert food into energy, preventing it
from being stored as fat. It also helps clean up toxins and other by
products of fat metabolism. Dr. Atkins used it in his practice to help
his patients overcome metabolic resistance to losing weight.6
Alpha-lipoic acid appears to be effective and safe in the treatment of
diabetic peripheral neuropathy. 5 Studies show that Lipoic
Acid may be helpful in diabetic neuropathic pain. 4
Alpha Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant and acts as a protector of both water
soluble and fat soluble antioxidants, including glutathione, vitamin C,
vitamin E and CoEnzyme Q10.
A survey of 685 Italian herbalists, conducted by the Atherosclerosis
Research Centre at the University of Bologna found Alpha Lipoic Acid
to be one of the 10 most frequently recommended dietary supplements for use
in controlling glycemia.34
Recommended doses vary depending on the reason that you are using it and
your own condition. Dr. Atkins recommends ranges from 100-900 mg per
day. To overcome metabolic resistance to losing weight he prescribes
between 300-600 mg per day. As part of a program to treat diabetes,
cancer or AIDS, he uses 600-900 mg per day. He recommends taking B1 as a
supporting nutrient.6
Lipoic Acid has been used in Europe for 30 years and is considered safe.
Other Benefits
Preliminary studies show that it significantly inhibits HIV
replication. It was concluded that it may be effective in the treatment of
AIDS.2,3 In addition, it may be helpful in Cancer
treatment.
Warnings:
Diabetics may need to lower their insulin so it is a very
good idea to keep a very close eye on insulin levels and consult with your
Doctor.
Malic Acid
*Sal-FreeTM
Malic acid is a key intermediate in the production of
glucose in the process of gluconeogenisis, the principal fuel for the
brain. Tartaric acid, a metabolite of yeast and fungal infections inhibits
the production of malic acid. If sufficient malic acid cannot be produced,
the body cannot produce the sugar glucose which is the main fuel for the
brain. Supplementing with malic acid can be helpful for anyone who is
lacking in malic acid due to a candida or fungal infection. For more
information about malic acid see:
Malic Acid
Manganese
*Sal-FreeTM
Manganese is a trace mineral that is needed in minute amounts
for protein and fat metabolism, healthy nerves, a healthy immune system and
blood sugar regulation.
According to Dr. Atkins, people with diabetes typically only have 1/2 of
what is considered a normal level of manganese.and this deficiency
contributes to their bodies' inability to process sugars.
Dr. Atkins found that many people don't have enough manganese as evidenced
by measurements on his own patients. Low manganese levels are more
common now due to an increased diet of refined flours and sugars. In
addition, iron and calcium supplements can have an antagonistic affect on
manganese.
Magnesium
*Sal-FreeTM
Magnesium is a mineral that is a catalyst in enzyme activity,
especially of those enzymes used in energy production. Magnesium plays
a role in carbohydrate metabolism and a deficiency can be synonymous with
diabetes.11
How well the body metabolizes sugar is tightly linked to magnesium, making
it essential to anyone with diabetes or insulin resistance. It is most
helpful for type II diabetes or insulin resistance and somewhat helpful for
type I diabetes.6
A review, designed to reach a better understanding of the mechanism involved
in the correlation between magnesium and insulin resistance concluded that
magnesium is required for both proper glucose utilization and insulin
signaling and that metabolic alterations in cellular magnesium contribute to
insulin resistance.30 A Public Health review notes that
recent studies suggest a potential role for magnesium in preventing
diabetes. 29
One article published in "Pediatrician" found that magnesium
deficiency is the most evident disturbance of metal metabolism in diabetes.
The article also states that there is evidence that the metabolism of
magnesium and other trace elements is altered in insulin dependent diabetes
mellitus and that these nutrients might have a specific role in the origin
and development of diabetes.28
Magnesium may prevent some of the complications of diabetes such as
retinopathy and heart disease. 31
B6 is necessary in order to get magnesium into the cells.
Other benefits:
Lowers blood pressure
Helpful in fibromyalgia
Reduces birth defects if taken during pregnancy.
May help prevent cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and certain forms of
cancer.
May reduce cholesterol levels
Assists in calcium and potassium uptake
Beneficial for cardiovascular disease
Helps mitral valve prolapse
Brain Function improvement
Migraines
Premenstrual Tension
Asthma - encourages bronchial muscles to relax
Sleep
Bruxism
helps against chemical sensitivities.
Warnings:
Can cause loose stools until your body acclimates to
it.
The body's need for magnesium is increased with the consumption of alcohol,
the use of diuretics, diarrhea, the presence of fluoride or high levels of
zinc or vitamin D.
The consumption of large amounts of fat, cod liver oil, calcium, vitamin D
and protein decrease magnesium absorption.
Fat soluble vitamins and foods high in oxalic acid such as almonds, chard,
cocoa, rhubarb, spinach and tea also hinder absorption.11
Melatonin
*Sal-FreeTM
The role of melatonin in insulin regulation is not well
understood. One study determined that melatonin causes a rise in
blood sugars. The ability of melatonin to stimulate insulin output was dose
dependent. Higher doses of melatonin caused a rise in blood sugars whereas
lower levels caused no change.39
Supplementing diabetic patients with melatonin may have some
benefit in controlling diabetic complications.40
Melatonin administration reduces high blood sugar and may help insulin
resistance.41
Read all about Melatonin
NAC (N-acetyl cysteine)
*Sal-FreeTM
NAC is a form of the amino acid cysteine and a powerful
antioxidant. .NAC raises glutathione in the body, something that even oral
supplements of glutathione itself cannot do.
Many illnesses are directly correlated with low levels of glutathione.
Among older people, lower levels are closely associated with diabetes,
arthritis and heart disease.
In a Japanese study, N-acetyl-cysteine treatment was shown to improve
insulin sensitivity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The
study concluded that NAC may be a new treatment for the improvement of
insulin circulating levels and insulin sensitivity in hyperinsulinemic
patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.49
Niacin
*Sal-FreeTM
Other benefits
Lowers
Cholesterol
Pancreatin
*Sal-FreeTM
Pantethine and Pantothenic Acid (B5)
*Sal-FreeTM
Pantothenic acid helps to convert fats and carbohydrates into
energy. Pantethine is the biologically active form of pantothenic acid
(B5) and is the precurser to co-enzyme A. Pantethine is made in the
body from patothenic acid.
Other benefits
Lowers Cholesterol
Improves brain function, improvement of fatty liver and an
increased overall energy level.
Works as an anti-inflammatory for conditions such as arthritis, allergies,
lupus and psoriasis, Helps the adrenal glands and increases
omega-3 fatty acids in the body. It is know as an anti-stress vitamin.
It aids in vitamin utilization. It is needed for proper functioning of the
gastro-intestinal tract. May be helpful for anxiety and depression.
Dr. Atkins recommended between 600-900 mg per day to stabilize cholesterol
and triglycerides, tame inflammation, allergies or an autoimmune problem.
It is recommended that one take a balanced B supplement if supplementing
with individual B vitamins. Taking one without balancing with others
can cause imbalances.
Warnings:
Toxicity has not been reported in supplemental doses however
very large doses of several grams per day can cause diarrhea.25
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs)
Check each one but most are
*Sal-FreeTM
PUFAs prevent insulin resistance by increasing membrane
fluidity and GLUT4 transport.21
Some polyunsaturated fatty acids include the Omega-3's such as fish oil and
Omega-6 such as Linoleic Acid and Alpha Linoleic Acid.
Pycnogenoll
Pycnogenol is a pine bark extract. Clinical trials with
diabetics show that is has a glucose lowering effect.
Oligomeric procyanidins of French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol®)
effectively inhibit alpha-glucosidase
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
*Sal-FreeTM
A survey of 685 Italian herbalists, conducted by the
Atherosclerosis Research Centre at the University of Bologna found
Vitamin B6 to be one of the 10 most frequently recommended dietary
supplements for use in controlling glycemia.34
Other benefits
Reduces fluid retention
Psyllium
*Sal-FreeTM
Other Benefits
Lowers Cholesterol
Selenium
*Sal-FreeTM
A survey of 685 Italian herbalists, conducted by the
Atherosclerosis Research Centre at the University of Bologna found
selenium to be one of the 10 most frequently recommended dietary supplements
for use in controlling glycemia.34
Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
*Sal-FreeTM
Important in conversion of glucose to energy.
Vanadium And Vanadyl
Sulfate
*Sal-FreeTM
Vanadium is a trace mineral that dramatically helps
diabetics.6 It improves insulin utilization, resulting in
improved glucose tolerance.
Compounds of the trace mineral vanadium have the ability to improve glucose
homeostasis and insulin resistance in
animal
models of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus.35 Another
animal study
found that vanadium complexes were useful in preventing and treating
diabetes.33. Several reports have documented improvements in
liver and muscle insulin sensitivity in a limited number of patients with
Type 2 diabetes.35 Human studies show that it can greatly reduce
the need for insulin and hypoglycemic medications. It lowers blood
sugar as well as the need for insulin.
Recent studies suggest that bis oxovanadium (BMOV) a more easily absorbed
form of vanadyl sulfate, possessing about twice the biological activity of
vanadyl sulfate.
Dr. Atkins prescribed 25-50 mg of Vanadyl Sulfate per day for his diabetic
patients.
Other benefits:
Animal
studies suggest that vanadyl sulfate may help
lower blood pressure in those with high blood pressure. Lowers LDL
cholesterol and triglyceride levels. May be helpful in inhibiting
certain cancers.
Some body builders report that vanadyl sulfate has made their muscles
bigger, harder, and more dense, and endurance athletes say that it has
helped them run longer and faster. More studies are needed to verify
these effects.
A vanadium deficiency may be linked to cardiovascular and kidney disease,
impaired reproductive ability and increased infant mortality.11
Warnings:
There may be an interaction between vanadium and chromium.
One source recommends that if you supplement with both, take them at
different times. In researching interactions it appears that these
findings are tentative but it was found that in one experiment, the
addition of 500 microgram of chromium/g of diet apparently made 5 micrograms
of vanadium/g of diet toxic for chicks.
Interactions between essential trace and ultratrace elements
Tobacco decreases the uptake of vanadium.
Very high doses (over 100 mg per day) may cause kidney problems. High
blood levels have been linked to manic-depressive mental disorders.
Vitamin A
(Retinol)
*Sal-FreeTM
A study based on 52 healthy people found that those who consumed more than
10,000 IU of Vitamin A per day metabolized glucose better than those who
took in less than 8,000 IU. It was concluded that vitamin A helps
to get blood sugar into the body's cells. 1
Other benefits:
Acne and other skin disorders
Vision - night blindness
May help heal gastrointestinal ulcers
Wound healing
Immune system support
Wrinkle reducer when applied topically
Warnings
Taking large amounts of Vitamin A, (over 100,000 IU per day)
over a long period of time can be toxic to the body. If you are
pregnant or have liver disease, do not take over 10,000 IU per day.
Excessive intake during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects.
Vitamin B6
*Sal-FreeTM
See Pyridoxine
Vitamin C
*Sal-FreeTM
A study designed to determine the effect of vitamin C
supplementation on blood sugar and antioxidative status in Types II diabetes
mellitus patients found that vitamin C may have a beneficial effect in
diabetes mellitus patients on both glycemic control and antioxidant status.38
A survey of 685 Italian herbalists, conducted by the Atherosclerosis
Research Centre at the University of Bologna found vitamin C o be one
of the 10 most frequently recommended dietary supplements for use in
controlling glycemia.34
Warnings:
An article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
observed that a high vitamin C intake from supplements is associated with an
increased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality in postmenopausal women
with diabetes.
Does supplemental vitamin C increase cardiovascular disease risk in women
with diabetes?
Vitamin D
*Sal-FreeTM
Supplementation is preventative for type 1
diabetes. Low levels are associated with insulin resistance and
supplementation is useful for those with type 2 diabetes who are low in
vitamin D.
Vitamin E
*Sal-FreeTM
Double blind studies show that Vitamin E improves glucose
tolerance in people with type 2 diabetes.23,24 People who have
low blood levels of Vitamin E are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.22
Vitamin E prevents blood from clotting too fast and has other effects that
protect diabetics' blood vessels from damage. It also protects animals
from diabetic cataracts.
A double blind study found that a group of patients with atypical depression
had significant improvement in depression and carbohydrate cravings with the
supplementation of chromium picolinate.44
A survey of 685 Italian herbalists, conducted by the Atherosclerosis
Research Centre at the University of Bologna found vitamin E to be one
of the 10 most frequently recommended dietary supplements for use in
controlling glycemia.34
It may require 3 or more months of supplementation for benefits to become
apparent. The most common amount used is 900IU per day.25
Zinc
*Sal-FreeTM
Zinc is a mineral that is involved in
virtually all aspects of insulin metabolism.
Supplementation has been shown to improve insulin levels in both type I and
type II diabetes.32 Increased urinary loss of zinc is a commonly
encountered feature of diabetes.28
A survey of 685 Italian herbalists, conducted by the Atherosclerosis
Research Centre at the University of Bologna found zinc to be one of
the 10 most frequently recommended dietary supplements for use in
controlling glycemia.34
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