Abstract
A reduction in red blood cell sorbitol (RBC sorbitol) by supplementation with ascorbic acid (AA) has been reported. Since RBC sorbitol is affected by blood glucose (BG) levels, we examined the levels of BG, HbA1c and RBC sorbitol before and after supplementation with AA 1.0 g/day for 4 weeks in 22 diabetics in order to determine how the effect of AA was influenced by simultaneously measured BG levels.
On the whole, a significant reduction in RBC sorbitol was observed after AA supplementation without any change in BG levels. The patients were classified into 3 groups from the standpoint of BG changes after supplementation, i. e., group 1; elevation above 10 mg/dl, group 2; changes less than 10 mg/dl, group 3; reduction above 10 mg/dl. RBC sorbitol in all groups decreased or tended to decrease after supplementation. It was concluded that AA decreases RBC sorbitol independent of any change in BG.
