Who needs to eat more vitamin C?

What is it about?

Although it is believed that vitamin C may be helpful in preventing type 2 diabetes, there isn't enough evidence to prove its effectiveness. This study used a genetically modified mouse model that is more prone to developing obesity and metabolic problems when fed a high-fat diet to test the effects of vitamin C. We found that vitamin C had a greater benefit in reducing obesity and preventing development of type 2 diabetes in the genetically modified mouse on a high-fat diet. Type 2 diabetes results from a combination of genetics and diet. The genetically modified mouse with a poor ability to maintain intracellular vitamin C levels has reduced fat cell formation and white adipose tissue development. They have a normal metabolism on a normal diet despite having little white adipose tissue, but when on a high-fat diet, they quickly become obese, develop metabolic dysregulation and fatty liver. Vitamin C supplementation improves the fat cell formation and white adipose tissue development, which prevents the mice from developing obesity and type 2 diabetes on a high-fat diet. Our findings demonstrate that vitamin C is important for the proper development of white adipose tissue, and the proper development of white adipose tissue is important for maintaining a healthy metabolism especially on a high-fat diet. These findings also suggest that vitamin C supplementation may be a good preventive measure for type 2 diabetes, but individual differences in genetics and diet should be considered.

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Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This information provides insight into the great benefits of vitamin C in preventing the development of type 2 diabetes in certain populations and diets. Our study also highlights the importance of considering individual differences in genetics and diet when applying treatment approaches.

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