epiglucan and Vitamin-D-Deficiency

Topics: beta-Glucans; COVID-19; Dietary Supplements; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Humans; Lactobacillus; Panax; Quercetin; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Respiratory Tract Infections; SARS-CoV-2; Virus Diseases; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency

The objective of this article is to evaluate the potential effects of beta-glucan and vitamin D supplementation in patients with diabetic retinopathy. We evaluated the levels of several parameters of inflammatory reactions (C-reactive protein [CRP], serum amyloid A [SAA], and interleukin- [IL-] 6), leptin, and vitamin D. Using a 3-month interval, we divided the patients into three groups: (1) supplemented with beta-glucan and vitamin D, (2) supplemented with vitamin D and placebo, and (3) supplemented with vitamin D alone. By this division, we aim not only to observe whether beta-glucan can increase the effects of vitamin D, but also to eliminate the potential effects of placebo. The doses of vitamin D corresponded to phototype, weight, age, and sex of the individual. Fifty-two diabetic retinopathy patients were selected for our study. We found significant vitamin D deficits in all cases, even after three months of supplementation with vitamin D. Significant changes in levels of CRP were observed in the beta-glucan-supplemented group; levels of SAA and IL-6 were not changed. Leptin levels were significantly lowered in the beta-glucan-supplemented group and increased in the other groups. More detailed studies and/or longer supplementation is necessary.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; beta-Glucans; Body Mass Index; C-Reactive Protein; Czech Republic; Diabetic Retinopathy; Female; Humans; Inflammation; Interleukin-6; Leptin; Male; Middle Aged; Placebos; Serum Amyloid A Protein; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency