New research shows that high dose vitamin C supports immune function in diabetic patients who have poor sugar control.
A new study from Khon Kaen University in Thailand has found that vitamin C supplements in high doses increases the function of a type of white blood cell that is involved in a range of immune processes.
Polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) are a type of white blood cells that eat and destroy pathogens and infected cells, among other functions. This is especially important for patients with type 2 diabetes, whose immune systems are compromised.
Patients in the trial were given 1000mg per day of vitamin C for six weeks. Their PMN cells were able to increase their uptake of the circulating vitamin C, protecting them from extreme damage. The increased function of PMN cells was especially notable in patients with poor glycemic control.
Dr Lesley Braun said that the results were promising: “Type 2 diabetes affects more than 400 million people worldwide, so it is encouraging to see the potential health benefits of an affordable and widely accessible nutritional supplement like vitamin C. With further research, vitamin C supplementation may become an important part of a treatment plan for type 2 diabetes.”
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