Dietary intake of micronutrients in first-degree healthy, diabetic and IGT relatives of type II diabetic patients

Introduction: To evaluate the dietary content of micronutrients in first-degree relatives of type II diabetic patients, with respect to the influence of dietary composition on the development of diabetes. Methods and Materials: 210 first-degree relatives of type II diabetic patients were divided into 2 groups (normal and IGT+ diabetic), according to the results of OGTT. 3-Day food recall questionnaire was completed by skilled nutritionists from all subjects. The participants’ intake of calorie, magnesium, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, chromium and vitamins B1, B6, C and E was calculated and the results were compared between 2 groups. Results: The mean of age and BMI were 48.9 5.2, 43.6 6.7 years (P=0.373) and 29.3 0.7, 28.7 0.8 kg/m2 in impaired and normal groups, respectively. No significant difference was observed in energy, magnesium, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, chromium and vitamins B1, B6, C and E intake between 2 groups. Conclusion: Although the micronutrient intake between studied groups didn’t differ significantly, the dietary content of chromium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin E was less than recommended daily allowance values. This finding can be taken into consideration with respect to the influence of some micronutrients, including magnesium and chromium, on glucose tolerance and insulin resistance.