Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients that are needed to keep the body functioning properly. They play a vital role in many body processes, such as tissue repair, hormone production, and cell growth.
Vitamins and minerals can be obtained from the diet or from supplements. However, some people may not get enough of these nutrients from their diet and may need to take supplements to meet their needs.
People with diabetes have an increased need for certain vitamins and minerals due to their condition. For example, diabetics are at risk for developing deficiencies in vitamins B1, B6, and B12. They are also at risk for developing deficiencies in magnesium, chromium, and zinc.
People with diabetes may need to take supplements of these vitamins and minerals to meet their needs.
The best multivitamins for diabetics are those that contain the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of these nutrients. The RDA is the amount of a nutrient that is needed to meet the needs of 97-98% of the population.
Multivitamins that contain the RDA of these nutrients are available without a prescription.
- Vitamins B1, B6, and B12
Vitamins B1, B6, and B12 are important for the proper functioning of the nervous system. These vitamins are also needed for the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. Vitamins B1, B6, and B12 are found in meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. They are also found in fortified cereals and soy-based products. Vitamin B12 is found only in animal-based foods.
- Vitamin B1 – Vitamin B1, also known as thiamin, is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system. It is also needed for the metabolism of carbohydrates. The RDA for vitamin B1 is 1.2 mg per day for adults.
- Vitamin B6 – Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system. It is also needed for the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. The RDA for vitamin B6 is 1.3 mg per day for adults.
- Vitamin B12 – Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system. It is also needed for the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. The RDA for vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg per day for adults.
- Magnesium
Magnesium is important for the proper functioning of the muscles and the nervous system. It is also needed for the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. The RDA for magnesium is 420 mg per day for adults.
Magnesium is found in leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds. It is also found in fortified cereals, soy-based products, and some water.
- Chromium
Chromium is important for the metabolism of carbohydrates. It is also needed for the proper functioning of the insulin receptors. The RDA for chromium is 35 mcg per day for adults.
Chromium is found in meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. It is also found in some fortified cereals and soy-based products.
- Zinc
Zinc is important for the proper functioning of the immune system and for wound healing. The RDA for zinc is 11 mg per day for adults.
Zinc is found in meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. It is also found in some fortified cereals, soy-based products, and some nuts and seeds.
