Vitamin and mineral deficiency and glucose metabolism – A review

SummaryBackground & aimsZinc, magnesium and vitamin D are trace minerals and vitamins of importance to human biology and health and increasing evidences suggest that these minerals and vitamin play an important role in glucose metabolism. The aim of the study was to summarize the current evidences that links mineral deficiencies and alterations in glucose metabolismMethodsA systematic review of PubMed database was conducted from September 1983 to September 2011 to identify literature related to zinc, magnesium and vitamin D deficiencies and glucose metabolism.ResultsAccumulating data from clinical studies suggest that zinc, magnesium and vitamin D deficiencies are independently associated with alterations in glucose metabolism. Deficiencies may increase risk of the development of insulin resistance and T2DM. However, there is inadequate evidence based data available to inform public health strategies.ConclusionsClearly, there is a need for further research, using well-designed studies and long-term follow-up, to fully demonstrate a causal role for these nutritional deficiencies in the development of insulin resistance and T2DM and the beneficial role of these vitamin and minerals supplementation in disorders of glucose metabolism, and/or in patients with or at risk of developing nutritional deficiencies.