Vitamins C & E Protect Against Damaging Effects of Sugar

VITAMINS C & E PROTECT AGAINST DAMAGING EFFECTS OF SUGAR

Researchers at a recent meeting of the American Diabetes Association presented evidence that vitamins C and E can protect the body from the inflammatory response caused by eating sugar.

Subjects first consumed sugar alone. Then the researchers gave them sugar plus 1,200 IU of vitamin E and 500 mg of vitamin C. When sugar was consumed alone, blood levels of oxygen free radicals and pro-inflammatory markers increased. When the subjects took the two vitamins, however, blood levels of oxygen free radicals and pro-inflammatory markers did not increase.

In a related study, the researchers showed that fast food causes an inflammatory response in the body. Participants ate a 900-calorie fast-food breakfast (an egg-and-ham sandwich and hash browns). Researchers took blood samples before the subjects ate and at one, two and three hours after the meal. Subjects who consumed the fast-food experienced a three-to-four hour increase in inflammatory markers and a reduced level of an anti-inflammatory blood factor.

The combined research of the scientists suggests that consuming vitamins C and E along with fast-food and sugary desserts may protect against the ensuing damage.

Reference:

Dandona P, et al. Presentation, June 16 2002. American Diabetes Association 62nd Scientific Sessions; June 14-18, 2002, San Francisco USA.

The information in this article is not intended to provide personal medical advice, which should be obtained from a medical professional, and has not been approved by the U.S. FDA.

Copyright 2001 by Vitamin Research Products, Inc. (VRP) The use of information found in Vitamin Research News for commercial purposes is prohibited without written permission from VRP.