Antioxidants, including vitamins E and C, can help reduce cholesterol levels in HIV-positive adults, but the compounds may also create an unexpected complication'increased blood sugar levels, researchers from Case Western University report in the August 15 edition of Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes.
Ten study subjects given vitamin C, vitamin E, and N-acetylcysteine supplements twice a day for 24 weeks showed cholesterol and triglyceride improvements, but they also experienced insulin resistance and significantly higher fasting blood sugar levels, precursors to diabetes.
Lead researcher Grace McComsey says the study 'reminds us we should always investigate vitamins and herbal supplements prior to their use in HIV-infected subjects. We should never assume that high doses of vitamins are safe.'
