British researchers working within the European Prospective Investigation of Cancer–Norfolk Prospective Study, have found evidence that high intake of vitamin C might very well might help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
In the course of their research and analysis, the scientists discovered that men and women, middle-aged and older (ages 40 to 75), who had the highest blood levels of vitamin C were significantly less likely to develop diabetes than people with the lowest levels. The data was so conclusive that the researchers cited a “strong inverse association” between plasma vitamin C level and diabetes risk.
In addition to the specific singling out of vitamin C, the researchers give a nod to overall fruit and vegetable intake, suggesting that their “findings highlight a potentially important public health message on the benefits of a diet rich in fruit and vegetables for the prevention of diabetes.”
Sources: Reuters Health, “High vitamin C intake may cut diabetes risk” and Archives of Internal Medicine (168(14):1,493-99), “Plasma vitamin C level, fruit and vegetable consumption, and the risk of new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus”
