Vitamin deficiencies are suspected of causing the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus. However, this subject has not received adequate attention. This study reviews and communicates the plausible links between vitamin deficiencies and DM. Relevant articles were retrieved from reputable academic databases and the current information revealed that vitamins of primary importance in the pathogenesis of DM are vitamins A, C, D, E, and B-vitamins. Vitamin A enhances beta-cell formation and glucose metabolism. B-vitamins lower homocysteine levels and thus prevent oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, β-cell dysfunction, and insulin resistance. Vitamin C reduces free radicals and enhances superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and blood glucose circulation. Vitamin D prevents autoimmunity and promotes cellular and systemic uptake insulin. Vitamin E reduces free radicals and C -reactive proteins, prevents lipid peroxidation, and improves insulin function. These vitamin deficiencies can result in beta-cell abnormalities, insulin resistance, and insulin insufficiency. The major causes of vitamin deficiencies are low dietary supplementation, malabsorption, diseases, and lifestyle. Fortunately, dietary or therapeutic administration of these vitamins can reverse or delay the mentioned pathologies, resulting in improved diabetic conditions. Therefore, people are advised to consider vitamin intervention in the prevention and treatment of diabetic cases having a vitamin deficiency etiology.

Energy drinks are sold worldwide because they boost physical and mental performance. However, studies show that some of them contain high levels of heavy metals, prompting a safety evaluation of all brands of energy drinks. This study evaluated the safety of three brands of energy drinks (Fearless, Monster, and Power Horse) sold in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria, with regard to heavy metal concentrations. The heavy metals evaluated are iron (Fe), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb). Samples of the energy drinks were subjected to atomic absorption spectroscopy, and the results were compared with the World Health Organization standards for drinks. The average daily intake (ADI), hazard quotient (HQ), and carcinogenic risk (CR) of the heavy metals were also calculated. The levels of Fe, Cu, and Cd were above the permissible limits in all the energy drinks, while zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) were below the permissible limits. The ADI of the heavy metals in the three energy drinks was within the recommended limits. However, the HQ and CR of Cd in all the energy drinks and Pb in Power Horse were beyond the recommended limits (HQ > 1 and CR > 10-6). This suggests that the three energy drinks sold and consumed in Birnin Kebbi may pose health hazards. There is a need to sensitize consumers in the city about the occurrence and risk of heavy metals in energy drinks.

Introduction: Previously, we established the phytochemical composition and short-term administration safety of Guiera senegalensis (sabara), Cassia occidentalis (coffee senna), and Ziziphus mauritiana (jujube) leaves, which are common medicinal plants in Northern Nigeria. In the current study, heavy metal contents and long-term administration effects of the plants’ leaf extracts on hematological parameters and the kidneys of albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were investigated. The heavy metals analyzed were copper, lead, cadmium, nickel, and manganese, while the hematological parameters evaluated were packed cell volume, hemoglobin, red blood cells, white blood cells, lymphocytes, and monocytes. Methods: Twenty-four mixed-sex rats were distributed into four groups of six rats each. Group 1 was made the control, while groups 2, 3, and 4 were administered 1000 mg kg-1 one of the plants extracts for 90 days. Blood and kidney samples were collected across the groups for hematological and histopathological examinations. Results: The heavy metals were present in the extracts within the World Health Organization’s acceptable limits. The treated rats were anemic compared to the control. However, on average, only the C. occidentalis group showed significant differences (P<0.05) in hematological parameters. Unlike the control, the kidneys of the rats fed with Z. mauritiana and G. senegalensis showed vacuolation of cytoplasm and tubular degeneration, while the C. occidentalis-fed rats had inflammation and dilated Bowman’s capsules. Conclusion: These findings reveal that constant administration of high doses of the extracts for a long time may cause health hazards. People are advised to seek an expert’s advice before using the plants.