India is the world capital of diabetes. In other words, India contributes predominantly to the world’s diabetic population. A lifestyle disease, diabetes requires one to adhere to certain dietary restrictions. Research indicates that apart from diet, multivitamins for diabetics are essential in managing the condition, since dietary restrictions may result in nutritional deficiencies.
Minerals and Vitamins for Diabetics
Some of the essential vitamins and minerals that diabetic patients require have been mentioned below:
1. Vitamin B12
Diabetics are often deficient in Vitamin B12. This is because people with diabetes are generally on metformin medicines. These medicines tend to decrease B12 vitamin levels. As a result, nerve diseases and their symptoms might aggravate in diabetics. Apart from food sources, multivitamin tablets for diabetic patients can fill the nutritional gap and easily help overcome the deficiency.
Sources: eggs, fish, meat products, and milk
2. Vitamin D
This Vitamin is known for keeping the bones healthy. For diabetics, Vitamin D is a boon, as it helps to keep glucose levels stable. Studies have revealed that lack of Vitamin D plays a crucial role in insulin resistance.
It is generally found that lifestyle choices often result in poor exposure to sunlight for many people. In such a scenario, vitamin D supplements or some of the best multivitamin tablets for diabetic patients, which are also rich in Vitamin D, are a great option.
Sources: fish, liver, sun, eggs, milk, and milk products. It is recommended to have sun exposure for around 30 minutes in the morning, if possible.
3. Magnesium
Magnesium helps to strengthen the bones and immune system and assists the body to digest and regulate heart rate. People who have healthy consumption of magnesium have lower chances of getting diabetes, as this mineral helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Generally, it is found that people with type 2 diabetes have low levels of magnesium. In addition to food sources, multivitamins for diabetics are recommended to bridge the nutritional void.
Sources: nuts, legumes, rice, wheat products, beans, etc.
4. Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
People suffering from diabetes have lower levels of Vitamin B1 (Thiamin). According to the studies, benfotiamine, which is a synthetic form of thiamine, may help prevent nerve damage (neuropathy), kidney damage (nephropathy) or diabetic retinopathy. Thiamin (Vitamin B1) is responsible for the healthy nervous system. As diabetics are prone to a weak nervous system, Vitamin B1 is an essential multivitamin for diabetics
Sources: nuts, pork, beef, oranges, asparagus, kale, egg, cauliflower
5. Zinc
It has been seen that Zinc helps to control the glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity in diabetics. A research conducted in the year 2013 stated that zinc levels prevented the onset of diabetes in middle-aged females.
It’s been observed that oxidative stress is a common phenomenon among diabetics and zinc helps to eradicate this damage. Besides natural food sources, zinc capsules are considered to be the best multivitamin tablets for diabetic patients
Sources: milk products and whole grains
6. Vitamin C
Many diabetics suffer from inadequate Vitamin C. This vitamin helps lower the levels of blood sugar and lipids in type 2 diabetic patients. It is prescribed to take two doses of Vitamin C each of 500 mg daily. Since Vitamin C has multifarious benefits, these pills can be used as the best multivitamin tablets for diabetic patients
Sources: tomatoes, guava, kiwis, spinach, sweet potatoes, etc
7. Iodine
Iodine plays a major role in thyroid function and metabolism. Lack of Iodine results in weight gain and exhaustion. It has been found that thyroid malfunctioning and diabetes exist together. Thyroid issues have a major influence on glucose levels. If the thyroid is left uncontrolled, it could have an impact on management of diabetes in patients.
Sources: Cod fish, seaweed, dairy products, iodized salt
8. Biotin
Biotin helps to carry nutrients in our bodies. It stimulates insulin production, enhances glucose uptake and therefore helps to control blood sugar levels in diabetics.
Sources: cauliflower, egg yolks, whole grains and cereals, bananas, nuts like walnuts, peanuts, almonds, soybeans, meat, etc.
9. Chromium
Chromium plays a pivotal role in assisting the body to prevent diabetes. Chromium helps to lower triglycerides, decrease insulin levels, and enhance glucose tolerance in diabetics. Exercise increases the percentage of chromium in the body.
Sources: brewer’s yeast, meats, grain products, spices, fruits and best diabetic vegetables
10. Inositol
Inositol plays a vital role in many functions of the body. It may aid in improving insulin sensitivity and the reduction of the nerve damage caused in diabetics.
Sources: sesame seed, cantaloupe, wheat-bran, sesame seeds, brown rice, and corn
11. Manganese
Supplementing the diet with manganese helps to improve glucose metabolism and increase the secretion of insulin
Sources: spices, soybean, oyster, leafy vegetables, tea, coffee, nuts, etc.
12. Potassium
Increasing the diet of potassium enhances the efficacy of insulin. As insulin helps to decrease the glucose in the bloodstream, it’s a prerequisite for diabetics to include potassium in their diet.
Sources: spinach, broccoli, lentils, beans, bananas, avocado, dry fruits (apricots, raisins)
13. Vitamin B6
It prevents complications due to diabetes. Lack of Vitamin B6 may have a detrimental effect on the nervous system which is already at high risk of developing complications caused by high blood glucose levels. Pyridoxine supplements may be able to repair glucose tolerance. As Vitamin B6 helps in the rejuvenation of the nervous system, it is a good idea to take this capsule as multivitamins for diabetics
Sources: wheat germ, pork, peanuts, oats, bananas, some fish, chicken, turkey, etc.
14. Vanadium
Vanadium is said to lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Diabetics should constantly monitor their sugar levels while taking Vanadium
Sources: shellfish, wheat grains, black pepper, mushrooms, etc
15. ALA and GLA
ALA is a multipurpose and powerful antioxidant that has the potential to improve insulin sensitivity Both ALA and GLA assist in reducing the pain caused by nerve damages in diabetics.
Sources of ALA: canola, soybean, and flaxseed oil
Sources of GLA: are blackcurrant seed oil, borage oil, and primrose oil
Conclusion
Whatever your line of treatments might be, a healthcare professional needs to prescribe multivitamins for diabetics. The supplements prescribed to diabetics should make it easier for them to manage this condition and lead a normal life.
