High-fibre diets may slightly reduce calcium levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
High-fibre diets may slightly reduce calcium levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers from America studied 13 patients with type 2 diabetes to investigate the effect of high levels of fibre on mineral balance. They compared the effects of a 6-week high-fibre (50g total and 25g soluble fibre) diet and a 6-week moderate-fibre diet (24g total and 8g soluble) on mineral absorption and metabolism in all the participants. Intestinal calcium absorption, stool weight and mineral content were assessed for 3 days, and 24-h urinary mineral content and serum chemistry were assessed over 5 days at the end of each phase.
It was found that calcium levels in the urine and, to a lesser extent, the blood were significantly reduced in subjects given the high-fibre diet. Calcium absorption in the intestines was also slightly reduced.
The experts suggested that high-fibre diets offer many advantages to patients with diabetes and thus should be prescribed. These include bowel regularity, reduction in LDL (bad) cholesterol, and improvement in (blood sugar) control. Instead of using processed fibre, patients should be advised to increase dietary fibre by consuming natural fruit, grains, and vegetables.
The researchers concluded that high-fibre diets can help improve blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels in diabetics, but it is important that the diet is rich in soluble fibre as well as in calcium. Otherwise, patients may need to take calcium supplements.
Researchers from America studied 13 patients with type 2 diabetes to investigate the effect of high levels of fibre on mineral balance. They compared the effects of a 6-week high-fibre (50g total and 25g soluble fibre) diet and a 6-week moderate-fibre diet (24g total and 8g soluble) on mineral absorption and metabolism in all the participants. Intestinal calcium absorption, stool weight and mineral content were assessed for 3 days, and 24-h urinary mineral content and serum chemistry were assessed over 5 days at the end of each phase.
It was found that calcium levels in the urine and, to a lesser extent, the blood were significantly reduced in subjects given the high-fibre diet. Calcium absorption in the intestines was also slightly reduced.
The experts suggested that high-fibre diets offer many advantages to patients with diabetes and thus should be prescribed. These include bowel regularity, reduction in LDL (bad) cholesterol, and improvement in (blood sugar) control. Instead of using processed fibre, patients should be advised to increase dietary fibre by consuming natural fruit, grains, and vegetables.
The researchers concluded that high-fibre diets can help improve blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels in diabetics, but it is important that the diet is rich in soluble fibre as well as in calcium. Otherwise, patients may need to take calcium supplements.
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