Effect Of Vitamin On Malondialdehyde And Glutathione Levels In Type 2 Diabetic Nigerians

The effect of modest supplementation of vitamin E (α-tocopherol) on lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduced glutathione (GSH), was investigated in type 2 diabetic Nigerian patients. Written and informed consent to participate in this study was obtained from 80 type 2 diabetic patients. 50 randomly selected type 2 diabetic patients were supplemented with vitamin E capsule orally (1000 i.u / day ) and 30 age-matched patients to placebo for 2 months. Fasting blood was collected from each patient before and after vitamin E or placebo supplementation. Levels of Reduced glutathione (GSH ) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. Hyperglycemia correlated with reduced blood GSH and increased malondialdehyde levels in type 2 diabetes. Vitamin E supplementation significantly increased GSH levels ( P<0.05 ) and lowered MDA levels ( p<0.05 ) which are markers of oxidative stress and this may reduce the risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications associated with diabetes mellitus.