Which vitamins do diabetes patients take?

Diabetics obviously benefit from a healthy diet. Due to a weaker immune system, diabetes patients are more likely to suffer from health problems. Getting the right nutrients reduces the risk of such complications. But does this mean that people with diabetes have to take extra vitamins to compensate? Below are a number of vitamins that deserve extra attention in diabetes. Do not exceed the daily amount and always consult a doctor if in doubt. A vitamin deficiency can only be diagnosed by a professional healthcare provider!

Vitamin B6

This vitamin plays an important role in the proper functioning of the body's hormone levels, nervous system and immune system. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is mainly found in grain products, dairy products, meat, fish and vegetables. About 75 percent of the amount of vitamin B6 in food is absorbed by the body. The absorption via a supplement is considerably higher, namely 95 percent. Several studies show that diabetes causes a vitamin B6 deficiency. This results in a weaker immune system, nervous disorders and anemia. But too much of this vitamin is also not good. This can lead to peripheral neuropathy.

Folic acid

Folic acid, or vitamin B11, plays a major role in the growth of the body, the production of blood cells and the proper functioning of the body. Folic acid is found in spinach, endive, bread, potatoes and meat, for example. If you don't eat a varied enough diet, you may develop a vitamin B11 deficiency. This leads to, for example, fatigue, depression, anemia and intestinal disorders. A high level of folic acid in the blood causes a low homocysteine ​​level. This is important because a high level of homocysteine ​​increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Diabetes patients in particular often suffer from these types of conditions. It has not yet been proven that an additional intake of folic acid leads to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is not recommended to exceed the daily amount of vitamin B11.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, plays a major role in metabolism. It occurs in animal foods, such as meat and dairy. About 5 to 10 percent of the Dutch population suffers from a vitamin B12 deficiency. A deficiency of this vitamin also occurs due to the use of certain medications, such as metformin. Diabetic patients use this medicine to lower the blood sugar in the body. Research shows that three in ten diabetes patients who use metformin for a long time develop a vitamin B12 deficiency. This often leads to chronic fatigue, nervous system complaints, a lack of appetite and anemia. A vitamin B12 nutritional supplement prevents a deficiency.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is particularly important for our resistance, absorbing iron and forming new connective tissue in the body. It is mainly found in vegetables and fruit. A deficiency can lead to slow wound healing. A complaint that diabetes patients in particular often suffer from. Think of the diabetic foot. Small-scale Australian research from 2018 shows that a daily intake of vitamin C leads to balanced blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients. Blood sugar spikes also seem to decrease after meals. In addition, the antioxidant property of vitamin C ensures better removal of glucose from the body and free radicals are better combated. Diabetes patients have a reduced immune system and benefit from sufficient vitamin C intake. But be careful, too much vitamin C can result in diarrhea and intestinal complaints.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is also called cholecalciferol. Many Dutch people suffer from a vitamin D deficiency in the winter. This vitamin is mainly absorbed through sunlight and is of course lacking during the short winter days. A small portion is absorbed from food, such as oily fish, meat and dairy. Older people and people with dark skin naturally absorb vitamin D less well. It also appears that young diabetes patients more often suffer from a vitamin D deficiency compared to their peers. Too little absorption of this vitamin is reflected in muscle and joint pain, energy deficiency, hyperventilation and depressive feelings. Supplementing the diet with a vitamin D supplement may be a possible solution.