The effects of magnesium and vitamin E co-supplementation on parameters of glucose homeostasis and lipid profiles in patients with gestational diabetes

BACKGROUND: Magnesium and vitamin E are known to exert multiple beneficial effects, such as anti-glycemic and anti-lipidemic properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of magnesium and vitamin E co-supplementation on metabolic status of women with gestational diabetes (GDM). METHODS: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 60 subjects diagnosed with GDM, aged 18–40 years. Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups to receive 250 mg/day magnesium oxide plus 400 IU/day vitamin E supplements or placebo (n = 30 each group) for 6 weeks. Participants’ blood samples were taken to determine their metabolic profiles. RESULTS: Subjects who received magnesium plus vitamin E supplements had significantly lower fasting plasma glucose (β − 5.20 mg/dL; 95% CI, − 7.88, − 2.52; P = 0.002), serum insulin levels (β − 2.93 μIU/mL; 95% CI, − 5.68, − 0.18; P = 0.02) and homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (β − 0.78; 95% CI, − 1.42, − 0.14; P = 0.01), and higher quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (β 0.01; 95% CI, 0.005, 0.02; P = 0.002) compared with placebo. In addition, magnesium plus vitamin E supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in serum triglycerides (β − 50.31 mg/dL; 95% CI, − 67.58, − 33.04; P < 0.001), VLDL- (β − 10.06 mg/dL; 95% CI, − 13.51, − 6.60; P < 0.001), total- (β − 26.10 mg/dL; 95% CI, − 41.88, − 10.33; P = 0.004), LDL- (β − 15.20 mg/dL; 95% CI, − 29.50, − 0.91; P = 0.03) and total-/HDL-cholesterol ratio (β − 0.46; 95% CI, − 0.72, − 0.19; P < 0.001) compared with placebo. Magnesium and vitamin E co-supplementation did not affect HDL-cholesterol levels. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, magnesium and vitamin E co-supplementation for 6 weeks in women with GDM significantly improved glycemic control and lipid profiles, except for HDL-cholesterol levels. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: http://www.irct.ir: IRCT20170513033941N24.