Many people use dietary supplements such as cinnamon, magnesium, and vitamin D to prevent and manage diabetes, a disease characterized by high blood sugar levels.
Research has mainly focused on the effects of nutritional supplements in patients with type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes develops over time as the body becomes resistant to insulin (simply put, a hormone that helps convert food into energy).
There isn't much data on the benefits of supplements for people with type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin.
Here's what you need to know about the effects and side effects of dietary supplements that can lower blood sugar levels.
Important nutrients for diabetes
Please note that the American Diabetes Association does not recommend the use of dietary supplements to manage or prevent diabetes. Supplements have not been proven to consistently lower blood sugar levels.
With that in mind, here's the latest evidence on the uses and side effects of commonly touted supplements for diabetes.
A black woman taking medication in her living room at home.
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alpha lipoic acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is a fatty acid that acts as an antioxidant. The following diabetes and its complications have been studied:
But so far there is little evidence that it helps.
An extensive review of 10 studies concluded that alpha-lipoic acid is effective. do not have lower the number of people below type 2 diabetes More than a placebo (sugar pill):
Clinical trials on patients type 1 diabetes There was no difference in hemoglobin A1c (a measure of blood sugar control over the past few months) between alpha-lipoic acid and placebo.
Evidence regarding the effects of alpha-lipoic acid on neurological disorders is mixed.
A systematic review reported that three of the eight trials studied showed improvement in symptoms in supplement takers, while five other trials showed no improvement.
There is no evidence that alpha-lipoic acid helps with nephropathy or macular edema.
Safety and precautions
At normal doses, alpha-lipoic acid is considered safe, even for people with heart disease, diabetes, and neurological disorders.
Side effects that may occur with this supplement include:
chromium
Chromium is a trace element found in foods such as meat, grains, and agricultural products.
It may increase the effectiveness of insulin and help break down sugar, but more research is needed to know for sure.
Evidence regarding the effects of chromium on diabetes is mixed.
One review of 10 studies concluded that chromium supplementation slightly improved hemoglobin A1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Chromium did not improve fasting blood sugar or cholesterol levels.
Safety and precautions
The AI for chromium for adults is 25 micrograms (mcg) per day for women and 35 micrograms (mcg) per day for women. AI decreases to 30 μg during pregnancy, but increases to 45 μg during lactation.
Taking chromium with insulin or glucophage (metformin) can cause hypoglycemia (hypoglycemia).
Watch for signs of low blood sugar, such as:
- trembling
- headache
- fast heart rate
According to case reports, chromium can also cause the following side effects:
cinnamon
Cinnamon, a popular spice, has been studied in people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes for its effects on:
According to an analysis of 16 clinical trials, cinnamon supplements reduced fasting blood sugar levels and insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes (high blood sugar levels not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes).
However, the researchers noted that existing tests are highly variable and more robust tests are needed.
Other extensive reviews have shown that cinnamon significantly lowers blood pressure. Cholesterol levels for people with type 2 diabetes, including:
Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of cinnamon in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Safety and precautions
Cinnamon is safe for most people at doses less than 6 grams (g) per day.
However, high coumarin concentrations have been reported in species such as Cassia cinnamon.cinnamon). Consuming too much coumarin can have long-term negative effects, including:
Real cinnamon (Nikkei), also known as Ceylon or Sri Lankan cinnamon, tends to be low in coumarin content.
Other effects to be aware of are:
magnesium
The higher the level of the mineral magnesium in the body, the lower the risk of diabetes.
Magnesium lowered blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, according to a systematic review of large clinical trials.
It also improved insulin sensitivity in people at risk of developing diabetes. Conditions that increase your risk of type 2 diabetes include:
Magnesium supplements are available in a variety of formulations, but magnesium oxide is the most studied in clinical trials for diabetes.
Safety and precautions
The RDA for magnesium for adults is 310 mg for women and 400 mg for men. This amount increases slightly with age. Limit your magnesium intake to 350 milligrams (mg) per day.
You may be getting magnesium from foods, including fortified products such as cereal.
Common side effects of taking magnesium supplements in high doses include:
Toxicity can occur at doses greater than 5,000 mg per day. Look out for warning signs such as:
omega 3 fatty acids
Evidence regarding the use of omega-3 fatty acids for diabetes is mixed.
One review of 30 studies found that omega-3 fatty acids can improve blood sugar levels and insulin resistance (cells don't respond well to insulin, can't easily take up glucose from the blood, and need more insulin). ) has been found to be helpful in reducing
Results from another small review suggest that consuming more omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent type 2 diabetes.
Meanwhile, an analysis of 46 clinical trials showed that omega-3 fatty acids had no significant effect on blood sugar or insulin resistance.
In patients with type 2 diabetes, omega-3 fatty acids improved levels of:
Safety and precautions
Adequate intake (AI) of omega-3 for adults is 1.6 g for men and 1.1 g for women, increasing slightly during pregnancy. Eating fish and nuts regularly can help you get enough omega-3s. Omega-3s are also found in fortified foods such as eggs, yogurt, and milk, as well as juices and cereals.
Omega-3 fatty acids usually do not cause serious side effects. However, high levels (more than 4 grams per day) of omega-3s slightly increase the risk of atrial fibrillation in people with or at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Omega-3s can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including:
- bad breath
- heartburn
- nausea
- diarrhea
berberine
Berberine is an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine (India's ancient system of medicine) to lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes.
A review of 46 clinical trials demonstrated that berberine, with or without standard diabetes medications, improved the following measures related to diabetes management:
The effect was greater when combining berberine with standard diabetes drugs, but berberine alone had only a modest effect on hemoglobin A1c and fasting blood sugar levels.
Safety and precautions
Avoid berberine during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as exposure to berberine can cause jaundice and brain damage in infants.
Side effects of berberine include constipation and diarrhea.
vitamin D
Vitamin D is produced in the body from sunlight's ultraviolet rays.
Research shows that getting enough vitamin D may help prevent both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Supplementing with 2,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) daily can help manage or prevent type 1 diabetes.
A review of nine clinical trials found that taking at least 1,000 IU daily for over a year significantly reduced the odds of developing type 2 diabetes.
Interestingly, reducing the dose of vitamin D had no effect on diabetes risk.
Safety and precautions
The Normal Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin D for adults is 600 IU or 15 mcg.
You may be getting additional vitamin D from foods, such as special fortified products such as:
Exposure to sunlight will also help you get enough vitamin D. However, the following factors can make it difficult to get enough vitamin D from sunlight.
- live in high latitudes
- during autumn and winter in cold climates
- live in a cloudy climate
- dark skin
In such cases, supplements can be an effective option.
However, be aware that high doses of vitamin D from supplements can cause the following side effects:
Discuss supplemental plans with your healthcare provider or RDN.
About diabetes
Approximately 11% of people in the United States have diabetes, a disease characterized by high blood sugar levels.
If diabetes is not properly managed, it can reduce your quality of life and lead to serious complications, including:
Management usually includes both lifestyle modifications (such as exercise and a healthy diet) and medications (such as insulin or other prescription drugs).
Some dietary supplements can cause kidney damage, and people with diabetes are especially susceptible. If you have kidney disease, be especially careful when using supplements to manage blood sugar levels.
After all, supplements are not a good substitute for diabetes medications that have been proven to be safe and effective.
If you have diabetes or are trying to prevent diabetes, it is important to discuss supplement use with your health care provider to optimize your health goals.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements in the same way as prescription drugs. This means that some supplement products may not contain what is listed on the label.
When choosing a supplement, look for third-party tested products and consult your healthcare provider, RD or RDN, or pharmacist.
summary
So far, there is some evidence that dietary supplements such as cinnamon, berberine, and vitamin D may improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes. However, these are not replacements for FDA-approved diabetes medications.
A healthy diet is essential to preventing and managing diabetes and its complications. A low-fat, high-fiber diet like the Mediterranean diet can help prevent type 2 diabetes.
Low-carbohydrate and vegan diets also slightly improved blood sugar levels.
FAQ
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What supplements are good for diabetes?If your magnesium or vitamin D levels are low, taking these supplements may reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
There is some evidence that berberine, cinnamon, and omega-3 fatty acids can help people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes (high blood sugar levels not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes).
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Are cinnamon supplements effective for diabetes?Although more research is needed, cinnamon has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels and insulin resistance in people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
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Can diabetes supplements interact with prescription drugs?yes. For example, chromium can interact with insulin and other diabetes medications to cause hypoglycemia (hypoglycemia). Omega-3 fatty acids can also increase the effectiveness of blood thinners such as Jantoven (warfarin), which can cause excessive bleeding.
To optimize safety and minimize side effects, discuss the use of any supplements you plan to take with your health care provider or pharmacist who can screen for drug interactions with your current list of medications.
