Effects of Calcium and Vitamin D-Fortified Diet on Glycemic Profile, Biochemical Parameters and Selected Haemostatic and Haematological Indices in Diabetic Rats

Magnus Michael Chukwudike Anyakudo* and Adedoyin Adebukola

Dept.of.Physiology, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria.

Results obtained from studies on the effect of vitamin D supplementation with or without calcium on glucose homeostasis and hematological parameters have been inconsistent. This experimentally-controlled designed study investigated the combined effects of Ca²⁺ and Vit.D-fortified diet on body weight, glycemic profile, biochemical, haemostatic and haematological parameters in 2 groups (n=8, each) of experimental male diabetic and healthy albino rats following treatment with Ca²⁺ and Vit.D-fortified diet for 6 weeks. 2 similar groups of rats (n=8, each) on normal diets served as normal and diabetic controls respectively to allow comparison between groups. Induction of diabetes (100mg/dL, intraperitoneally) was achieved with freshly prepared alloxan monohydrate solution after 15 hours overnight fast while oral glucose tolerance test, biochemical and hematological analysis were performed on blood samples. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was taken at study baseline and 6 weeks after feeding. Mean weights were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in calcium/vitamin D-fortifed diet-fed diabetic and normal rats compared with their respective controls. Actual percentage numerical weight gain at 6 weeks of study includes: diabetic rats on treatment diet (15.50%); diabetic controlled rats (18.70%); normal rats on treatment diet (20.40%); normal controlled rats (25.10%). At 6 weeks of study, experimental diabetic rats showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction (22.83%) in mean FBG concentration compared with the diabetic control rats. Experimental rats fed on calcium and vitamin D-fortified diet displayed improved glycemic tolerance over their respective controls. Hematological analysis revealed insignificant (p > 0.05) difference in hematological and hemostatic indices between the experimental and controlled rats. In diabetic rats, Ca²⁺ and Vit.D-fortified diet reduced body weight with beneficial hypoglycemic and remarkable glycemic tolerant effects on glycemic profile without significant impact on hemostatic and hematological indices.

Calcium and vitamin D-fortified diet; glycemic profile; hemostatic and hematological indices; diabetic rats

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