Open AccessUse of the Dietary Supplement 5‐Aminiolevulinic Acid (5‐ALA) and Its Relationship with Glucose Levels and Hemoglobin A1C among Individuals with Prediabetes
Author(s) -
Rodriguez Beatriz L.,
Curb J. David,
Davis James,
Shintani Terry,
Perez Michael H.,
ApauLudlum Noelani,
Johnson Crystal,
Harrigan Rosanne C.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
clinical and translational science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.303
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1752-8062
pISSN - 1752-8054
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-8062.2012.00421.x
Subject(s) - prediabetes , medicine , hemoglobin , randomized controlled trial , placebo , diabetes mellitus , capsule , statistical significance , physiology , gastroenterology , endocrinology , type 2 diabetes , biology , pathology , alternative medicine , botany
Objective: This study examined the association between 5‐aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) and glucose tolerance. Design: A double blinded, randomized prospective parallel‐group comparison study. Setting: Participants were recruited from the community in Honolulu, Hawaii, using radio and TV ads, and at community events. Participants: One hundred fifty‐four males and females ages 40–70 years, with evidence of prediabetes: hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 5.8%–7.0% at the screening visit. Intervention: Participants were randomized equally to one of three study groups: (1) low dose 5‐ALA supplement (15 mg capsule); (2) high dose 5‐ALA (50 mg capsule); and (3) control (placebo capsule of identical size and color). Main outcome measures: HbA1c and 2 hours post‐oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) glucose levels. Results: Among individuals taking 5‐ALA supplements for 12 weeks, 2 hours post‐OGTT glucose levels declined significantly compared to those not taking the supplement ( p = 0.02). The relationships were stronger among those with baseline glucose intolerance, or 2 hours post‐OGTT glucose measurements greater than 140 mg/dL ( p = 0.005 and p = 0.02 for the low and high dose group, respectively). Similar trends were observed for HbA1c but results were of borderline significance ( p = 0.07). No untoward effects were reported. Conclusions: Further studies are indicated. The potential benefits of 5‐ALA dietary supplementation are affirmed by this investigation. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume 5: 314–320