Vitamin c may help stiff red blood cells in diabetes

NCT ID NCT02107976

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at whether taking vitamin C (and vitamin E) supplements for 8 weeks can make red blood cells more flexible in people with type 2 diabetes. Stiff red blood cells can lead to tiny blood vessel damage. Researchers measured red blood cell flexibility before and after supplementation in 28 adults. Each person served as their own control, and the goal was to understand the link between blood sugar, vitamin C levels, and red blood cell health.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Vitamin C and Vitamin E supplements
What this could lead to: If successful, this could reveal a new way vitamin C helps prevent diabetes-related blood vessel damage.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only 28 participants. It looks at biological markers, not actual health outcomes, so results may not lead to a treatment.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

diabetes mellitus type 2 diabetes mellitus

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DIABETES TYPE 2

Contacts and locations

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Locations

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

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