Abstract
Results obtained from studies on the effect of vitamin D supplementation with or without calcium on glucose homeostasis and hematological parameters have been inconsistent. This experimentally-controlled designed study investigated the combined effects of Ca2+ and Vit.D-fortified diet on body weight, glycemic profile, biochemical, haemostatic and haematological parameters in 2 groups (n=8, each) of experimental male diabetic and healthy albino rats following treatment with Ca2+ and Vit.D-fortified diet for 6 weeks. 2 similar groups of rats (n=8, each) on normal diets served as normal and diabetic controls respectively to allow comparison between groups. Induction of diabetes (100mg/dL, intraperitoneally) was achieved with freshly prepared alloxan monohydrate solution after 15 hours overnight fast while oral glucose tolerance test, biochemical and hematological analysis were performed on blood samples. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was taken at study baseline and 6 weeks after feeding. Mean weights were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in calcium/vitamin D-fortifed diet-fed diabetic and normal rats compared with their respective controls. Actual percentage numerical weight gain at 6 weeks of study includes: diabetic rats on treatment diet (15.50%); diabetic controlled rats (18.70%); normal rats on treatment diet (20.40%); normal controlled rats (25.10%). At 6 weeks of study, experimental diabetic rats showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction (22.83%) in mean FBG concentration compared with the diabetic control rats. Experimental rats fed on calcium and vitamin D-fortified diet displayed improved glycemic tolerance over their respective controls. Hematological analysis revealed insignificant (p > 0.05) difference in hematological and hemostatic indices between the experimental and controlled rats. In diabetic rats, Ca2+ and Vit.D-fortified diet reduced body weight with beneficial hypoglycemic and remarkable glycemic tolerant effects on glycemic profile without significant impact on hemostatic and hematological indices.
Highlights
Vitamin D deficiency plays an important role in many diseases such as diabetes[1], hypertension[2], cardiovascular disease[3], immune disorders, osteoporosis and cancers[4]
The effects of the test diets on the fasting blood glucose levels (FBG) taken at the onset of study and 6 weeks thereafter is depicted in Table 3 as shown below
A significant (p < 0.05) reduction (22.83%) in Fasting blood glucose (FBG) level was observed in experimental diabetic rats (DTD) compared with the diabetic control (DCD) while no significant difference was observed between NTD and NCD groups
Summary
Vitamin D deficiency plays an important role in many diseases such as diabetes[1], hypertension[2], cardiovascular disease[3], immune disorders, osteoporosis and cancers[4]. Dietary intake and supplementation with vitamin D are the main sources of vitamin D in human[5]. Being a fat-soluble vitamin with hormonal functions, Vitamin. D helps calcium and phosphorus homeostasis and bone metabolism[6]. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation might affect metabolic profiles and oxidative stress through their effects on cell cycle regulation[7], activation of antioxidant enzymes[8] and suppression of parathyroid hormone[9]. Inappropriate diets and calories intake have been implicated in abnormal hematological parameters, poor glycemic control and profile in diabetics.
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