Coenzyme Q10, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, and Vitamin E May Benefit Diabetics With Chronic Complications

Supplementation With Coenzyme Q10, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, and Vitamin E May Benefit Diabetics With Chronic Complications

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Reference: “Complementary therapy in diabetic patients with chronic complications: a pilot study,” Palacka P, Gvozdjakova A, et al, Bratisl Lek Listy, 2010; 111(4): 205-11. (Address: Comenius University, Medical Faculty, Pharmacobiochemical Laboratory of 3rd Medical Clinic, Bratislava, Slovakia. E-mail: pal_patrick@yahoo.com ).

Summary: In a pilot study involving 59 diabetic patients with chronic complications, results indicate that combined supplementation with coenzyme Q10, alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin E, along with polarized light (PL) therapy may exert beneficial effects. The patients were randomized to 1 of 3 groups for 3 months – 1) PL group (n = 19): PL was applied to neuropathic ulcers of diabetic foot twice daily; 2) Antioxidant group (n=20): received daily supplementation with 60 mg of hydrosoluble CoQ10, 100 mg of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and 200 mg of vitamin E; 3) PL+Antioxidant (n=20): received both PL and antioxidants.

At intervention end, decrease in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was found in the PL group, improvement in echocardiographic parameters was found in the antioxidant group, and decrease in LDH activity and improvement in heart left ventricular function was observed in the PL+antioxidant group. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, “Thus the data show that support ive therapy with PL along with the antioxidants hydrosoluble CoQ10, alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin E is an effective way of controlling the complications of type 2 diabetes.”

Supplementation With Grape Seed Extract May Benefit Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Supplementation With Grape Seed Extract May Benefit Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

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Reference: “Grape seed extract to improve liver function in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver change,” Khoshbaten M, Najafipoor F, et al, Saudi J Gastroenterol, 2010; 16(3): 194-7. (Address: Department of Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran).

Summary: In a controlled study involving 30 patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), results indicate that supplementation with grape seed extract may exert beneficial effects. The patients were randomized to grape seed extract or vitamin C (1000 mg / 12 hours) for 3 months. At intervention end, serum levels of ALT (alanine aminotransferase) decreased significantly in patients treated with GSE when compared to controls (vitamin C group). Additionally, grape seed extract supplementation significantly improved grade of steatosis. Thus, the authors conclude, “This study describes the beneficial effect of using grape seed extract for three months in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. These results may improve with a longer period of follow-up.”