Vitamin E may protect against LADA
A new study based on ESTRID shows that vitamin E may play a protective role in the development of LADA, possibly by inhibiting the development of autoimmunity and preventing insulin resistance. In particular, a higher intake of vitamins C and E was associated with a lower risk of LADA.
Lampousi et al. investigated the association between antioxidant nutrients and latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Analysing 584 cases of LADA and 1989 cases of T2D, the researchers found that those who consumed the highest amounts of dietary vitamins C and E were 49% and 34% less likely to have LADAhigh (high autoantibody levels), respectively, than those who consumed the lowest amounts. These vitamins did not show a significant association with LADAlow or T2D.
Further analyses suggested a protective role for vitamin E against both LADA and type 1 diabetes (T1D), showing potential preservation of beta cell function and reduced insulin resistance. While causality was not firmly established, these findings underline the potential benefits of an antioxidant-rich diet in reducing the risk of LADA.
Additionally, Lampousi et al. noted that "vitamin E may play a protective role in the incidence of LADA, potentially by inhibiting the development of autoimmunity and preventing insulin resistance. A diet rich in vitamin E, including plant-based oils, nuts, seeds, and dark-green leafy vegetables, is generally considered part of a healthy lifestyle and should be encouraged as a public health strategy”.
While more research is needed, this study provides insight into how an antioxidant-rich diet might affect autoimmune diabetes risk and offers potential avenues for targeted interventions to manage and prevent diabetes in adults.
Publication
Antioxidant Nutrients and Risk of Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults and Type 2 Diabetes: A Swedish Case-Control Study and Mendelian Randomization Analysis.
Lampousi AM, Löfvenborg JE, Ahlqvist E, Tuomi T, Wolk A, Carlsson S
Nutrients 2023 May;15(11):