Many vitamins and minerals have a role in blood glucose control. It is important that your body has enough of these vitamins and minerals so it can work as efficiently as possible. You may wonder if you need to take a supplement of any special vitamin or mineral to help improve your blood glucose control. Right now, the American Diabetes Association states there is little research indicating that taking supplements of individual nutrients or blends of nutrients actually improves blood glucose control. More research need to be done before we can confidently make that type of general recommendation.
However, there are times when you might want to consider taking a multivitamin plus mineral supplement, or take supplements of particular vitamins or minerals. Three such times follow:
a) When your diabetes is not in good control. Research shows that this may cause some nutrient deficiencies. A multivitamin plus mineral supplement is recommended.
b) When you are restricting calorie or carbohydrate intake. Because you may be eating less food or a smaller variety of foods, it may be difficult to consume the mix of foods you need to meet your nutrient needs. For some, taking a multivitamin plus mineral supplement is like an insurance policy; you are adding a little extra protection.
c) When you have difficulty consuming certain foods such as those high in calcium or iron and need a supplement to meet your daily requirements. However, do not consume more than 100% of the daily value (listed as %DV on the supplement label) unless you have discussed this with your dietitian and doctor.
If you choose to take a supplement, know that the supplement cannot replace a healthy diet. By choosing a variety of foods with an emphasis on whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and low-fat foods you can often meet your nutrient needs without supplements. It is the combination of foods you eat and the combination of nutrients the food provides that help your body work smoothly and efficiently.
However, there are times when you might want to consider taking a multivitamin plus mineral supplement, or take supplements of particular vitamins or minerals. Three such times follow:
a) When your diabetes is not in good control. Research shows that this may cause some nutrient deficiencies. A multivitamin plus mineral supplement is recommended.
b) When you are restricting calorie or carbohydrate intake. Because you may be eating less food or a smaller variety of foods, it may be difficult to consume the mix of foods you need to meet your nutrient needs. For some, taking a multivitamin plus mineral supplement is like an insurance policy; you are adding a little extra protection.
c) When you have difficulty consuming certain foods such as those high in calcium or iron and need a supplement to meet your daily requirements. However, do not consume more than 100% of the daily value (listed as %DV on the supplement label) unless you have discussed this with your dietitian and doctor.
If you choose to take a supplement, know that the supplement cannot replace a healthy diet. By choosing a variety of foods with an emphasis on whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and low-fat foods you can often meet your nutrient needs without supplements. It is the combination of foods you eat and the combination of nutrients the food provides that help your body work smoothly and efficiently.
