Antioxidant Vitamin B Group Supplementation Induces Immune Function, Glycemic Control, and Reduces Infection Risk in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Diabetes mellitus is associated with impaired immune function and increased susceptibility to infections, with oxidative stress and inflammation playing significant roles in disease progression. Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in antioxidants, are common among diabetic patients and may exacerbate these complications. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of antioxidant vitamin supplementation on oxidative stress, inflammation, and infection frequency in diabetic patients. Methods: This randomized, placebo-controlled study enrolled diabetic patients from multiple centers and assigned them to either a supplementation group receiving specific doses of vitamins (including vitamins C, E, and B complex) or a placebo group. Baseline data included demographic, clinical, and biochemical characteristics. Plasma antioxidant levels, inflammatory markers, and infection frequencies were assessed at baseline, three months, and twelve months for long-term effects. Statistical analyses compared group differences over time and assessed the association between supplementation and clinical outcomes. Results: At three months, patients in the supplementation group showed significant increases in plasma antioxidant levels and reductions in inflammatory markers compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). Frequencies of infections over the initial three-month period were lower in the treatment group (15%) compared to the placebo (25%) (p < 0.05). Over the twelve-month follow-up, infection rates continued to be lower in the treatment group (20% vs. 30%), indicating a sustained effect of supplementation on infection risk in diabetic patients. Conclusion: Antioxidant vitamin supplementation in diabetic patients significantly improved plasma antioxidant levels, reduced inflammatory markers, and was associated with a lower incidence of infections over both short and long-term follow-ups.