A Case Study on Functional Food Intake in a Diabetic Patient: No Such Thing as a Magic Bullet Part-II

FOONG; Anthony FW¹  SATO; Erina²  

R&D Department, Imex Japan Co Ltd, 22-8 Shimomidori-cho, Shinchiku, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8425, Japan (78imexfw@gmail.com) 

BACKGROUND: Useful ingredients in functional foods A and B previously improved certain physical symptoms (PSs) deficits due to ageing; however, blood sugar levels (monitored as glycemated hemoglobin or HbA1C) of a type-2 diabetic were unsatisfactory. We investigated the probable factors by focusing on the supply source, types and concentrates of sugar-regulating substances in ingredient mulberry leaf extract (MLE) as the extract was previously not well-defined. The revised functional food C (replaced previously known B), where all ingredients remained the same in quantity and supply sources, except MLE where the useful ingredient 1.2% 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) was defined and obtained from a new supplier Z. METHODS: Volunteer patient P, who led a sedentary lifestyle, had continued intake of functional food A and complemented A with C after 2 control readings had been taken. Controls and blood analytical data were respectively monitored before and after combined A+C intake at 3-month (3-mo) intervals. Blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), and other metabolic indexes were taken before (A alone) and after combined A+C intake. P led his usual normal life without dietary restrictions. PSs were also monitored before and after combined A+C intake. RESULTS: Blood pressure (BP) was normal, with slight improvement in BMI values. Total cholesterol (T-Cho), triglycerides (TG) levels varied in a similar pattern, which eventually registered normal after 9-mo combined A+C intake. HbA1c levels scored impressive improvements in a time-dependent manner: i.e. decreasing from 8.0 and 9 (controls) to 7.5, 6.9, and 6.8 at 3-, 6- and 9-mo combined A+C intakes, respectively. Improved PSs were well maintained. DISCUSSION: The BMI improved from overweight to normal status. Rebounds in T-Cho (3-, 6-mo) and TG (6-mo) levels were probably associated with high-calorie sweets taken in August. The most impressive finding in this study is the marked improvement in HbA1c findings. Replacement of MLE from a new source Z with defined 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) concentrate made all the difference: the alpha-glucosidases-inhibiting DNJ, fagomine, and other active sugar-regulating components in MLE may have lowered blood sugar levels, thus improving HbA1c values. Functional foods comprising effective ingredients would most likely elicit useful effects, if the active ingredient with a defined concentrate was used.