title: Use of the dietary supplement 5-aminiolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and its relationship with glucose levels and hemoglobin A1C among individuals with prediabetes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examined the association between 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and glucose tolerance.
  
  
  METHODS
  A double blinded, randomized prospective parallel-group comparison study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were recruited from the community in Honolulu, Hawaii, using radio and TV ads, and at community events.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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).
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.
authors.forename: Beatriz L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
authors.forename: J David
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Curb
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: Terry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Shintani
authors.forename: Michael H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Perez
authors.forename: Noelani
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Apau-Ludlum
authors.forename: Crystal
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Rosanne C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Harrigan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011236:Prediabetic State / Q000097:blood* / Q000178:diet therapy*
chemical_list: D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid; D015415:Biomarkers; D001786:Blood Glucose; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin