Abstract
Zamzam water is alkaline natural water which makes it potentially capable of enhancing antioxidant power. We have carried out this study in type 2 diabetic patients to evaluate the effect of Zamzam water on their oxidant-antioxidant status, glycemic control and lipid profile. Forty nine type 2 diabetic patients were recruited from Dammam University primary health care unit in Alkhobar. The patients were randomly divided into two groups each drank one liter/day of water for two months; one group received ordinary bottled water while the other drank Zamzam water. Baseline and post treatment levels of antioxidant parameters, fasting blood sugar, HbA(1c), lipid profile, LFT, RFT, and CBC were measured in both groups. Zamzam group patients showed a significant increase in the serum levels of total antioxidant capacity, Catalase, Superoxide dismutase, and glutathione. However, total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase were decreased significantly, while catalase and glutathione were not changed significantly in the control group. Serum TBARS was not changed significantly in both group. Patients receiving Zamzam water had a significant decrease in HbA(1c) but not in fasting blood sugar. Both HbA(1c) and fasting blood sugar did not change significantly in the control group. Other parameters either did not change or showed little significant change but within the normal limits, of these parameters, in both groups. In conclusion drinking Zamzam water enhanced antioxidant power and reduced HbA(1c) significantly in type 2 diabetic patients. Further research is needed in this area to confirm the results and explore the mechanism behind HbA(1c) lowering effect produced by Zamzam water.