Dietary Supplements & Diabetes - Diabetic Dietary Supplements

Dietary Supplements & Diabetes
Mon, 22 Aug 2005
Diabetes.co.uk

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For those who have health issues, the following are tips for using dietary supplements the smart way.

The fact that a supplement is available on the market has nothing to do with if it actually works or not.

There are many reports on natural agents and diabetes, but much of the information from these studies are too small, have poor controls or the trials are conducted for a short time period. Only a few supplements have had research that has been well conducted and published that shows a positive effect on blood glucose control, the correct dose, specific extracts or the right form of the mineral, vitamin or plant. It is these extracts that may not be found in the supplements you are using.

By using the same product and dose used in the research studies, increased the chances of getting the results you are looking for.

Dr Anderson, an expert on the trace mineral chromium stated that the least expensive form of the mineral called chromium chloride is not absorbed by the body. This was according to research he carried that was funded by the US Department of Agriculture. He added that the best way this mineral is absorbed is when it is used with chromium picolinate. The study also showed that the dosages needed to be effective on blood glucose ranged from 200 to 1,000 mcg per day.

So, if you are taking a daily multi vitamin containing 100 mcg chromium chloride, donÌt expect your blood glucose to improve.

Consider the following tips when using dietary supplements:

Introduce new supplements one at a time to your daily intake and report any side effects to your GP.

Notify your GP of the supplements you are taking and the dosages.

Read up on what the potential side effects are for the supplements you want to take.

All supplements should be stopped two weeks before any surgical procedure is due. Your diabetes medication should never be stopped or changed unless you have been advised to do so by your GP.

For more information about the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements please visit www.ods.od.nih.gov.

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